by: Julie Murphy
Public Information Officer, Flagler County
Flagler County reiterates Executive Orders 20-111 and 20-112 issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis that emphasize continued guidance about limited services and activities, as well as step-by-step details for Phase 1 of Florida’s reopening. Flagler County’s process will mirror the state’s plan.
“The steps outlined are gradual and methodical, with the focus remaining on social distancing,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “It is important to remain cautious and continue to follow the public health guidelines established by the CDC.”
Phase 1 begins Monday, May 4, and includes the following:
- All people in Florida shall continue to limit their personal interactions.
- All services allowed under the Safer at Home order should continue to follow safety guidelines issued by CDC and OSHA. If necessary, employee screening or use of personal protective equipment should continue.
- Senior citizen, and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition, are strongly encouraged to stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure.
- Avoid congregating in large groups; gatherings of more than 10 are not permitted.
- Avoid non-essential travel, and adhere to CDC isolation guidance for those who do travel.
- Both Executive Order 20-80 Airport Screening, and Executive Order 20-82 Isolation of Individuals Traveling to Florida are extended.
- Executive Order 20-86 – Additional Requirements of Certain Individuals Travelling to Florida – Sections 1 (C), and 1(D) are extended.
- Bars, pubs, nightclubs shall continue to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages for on premise consumption.
- Restaurants and Food Establishments may allow on-premises consumption of food and beverage, so long as they adopt appropriate social distancing measures and limit their indoor occupancy to 25% of their building occupancy. Outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing – a maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between parties, only seating parties of 10 or fewer people and keeping bar counters closed to seating.
- Gyms and fitness centers closed by Executive Order 20-81 shall remain closed.
- Prohibition of vacation rentals in Executive Order 20-87 remains in effect.
- In-store retail sales establishments may open storefronts if they operate at no more than 25% of their building occupancy and abide by CDC and OSHA guidelines.
- Museums and libraries may open at no more than 25% of their building occupancy if permitted by local government. However, any interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas are to remain closed
- Elective medical procedures prohibited by Executive Order 20-72 may resume, only if: The facility has the capacity to immediately convert additional surgical and intensive care beds for treatment to COVID-19 in a surge situation; the facility has adequate PPE to complete all medical procedure and respond to COVID-19 treatment needs, WITHOUT seeking government assistance; the facility does not seek any additional government assistance for PPE once elective procedures are resumed; and the facility has not refused to provide support and has proactively engaged with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and other long term care residential providers.
- EO 20-69 Local Government Public Meetings is extended, which allows virtual meetings.
Please see the Re-Open Florida Task Force Report, and FAQs on Executive Order 20-112 relating to Phase I for more information.
All residents and businesses are reminded to abide by Executive and Emergency Orders, and follow Florida Department of Health and CDC guidance, to include:
- Staying home except when engaged in essential services or activities
- Wearing cloth face coverings when out in public – more information about why to wear one and where to get one is available at on the COVID-19 page.
- Practicing aggressive social distancing at all times – people should keep a minimum of 6 feet of space between one another, and keep groups to less than 10, which includes while shopping and waiting in the check-out line
- Frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
- Avoiding close contact with people who are, or may be, sick
- Additionally, those who are sick and/or told to self-isolate are to: remain at home unless seeking medical care, cover coughs and sneezes, wear a facemask around others, and disinfect touched surfaces daily.
COVID-19 testing is available for Flagler County residents by making an appointment at 877-847-8747 or by visiting www.AdventHealthCoronaVirusTesting.com.
COVID-19 health related questions or concerns should be directed to your regular healthcare provider or the Florida Health hotline at 866-779-6121.
COVID-19 business concerns should be directed to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation at 866-532-1440.
All other COVID-19 government services questions or concerns may be directed to a specific municipality or the Emergency Operations Center at 386-313-4200.
Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org, and follow “Flagler County Government” or “Flagler County Emergency Management” on Social Media. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:
Flagler County Government
Flagler County Emergency Management
