Florida Chamber COVID-19 Membership Update: March 18, 2020

March 18, 2020

Business Best Practices

Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order yesterday that will reduce density and crowds in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Bars and Nightclubs

Under the direction of Governor DeSantis, all bars and nightclubs throughout Florida will close for the next 30 days. More information is available at Florida's Department of Business & Professional Management (DBPR).

Beaches

The Governor is directing parties accessing public beaches in the state of Florida to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance by limiting their gatherings to no more than 10 persons.

Restaurants

Restaurants across Florida will now be required to limit customer entry to 50 percent of capacity. Seating must be staggered and limited to ensure seated parties are separated by a distance of at least six feet, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Restaurants are encouraged to remain open and expand take-out and delivery services. Information is available at DBPR .

Business Response

The business community plays a vital role in combating outbreaks of viruses like the coronavirus. From developing life-saving antivirals to supporting relief efforts to protecting their employees at home and abroad, businesses of all sizes and sectors are stepping up to address this crisis.

View our business aid tracker for details on how businesses of all sizes and sectors are stepping up to combat the coronavirus. Share how your company is leading the business community’s response by emailing Christi McCray christimccray@flchamber.com .

HR Resources

Fisher Phillips has assembled a cross-disciplinary taskforce of attorneys across the country to address the many employment-related issues facing employers.

Additional resources from our partners at the U.S. Chamber are also available.

Guidance for Employers

Reemployment Assistance

Governor DeSantis reminds Floridians that if their employment is negatively impacted because of COVID-19, they may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. Click here for more information.

COVID-19: Number of Cases in Florida

Data Source: Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard

COVID-19 Updates

Bar and Restaurant Guidelines

Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday issued an Executive Order reducing density and crowds in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Read the Order here.

Palm Beach Announces Curfew

The Town of Palm Beach has declared a state of emergency because of concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 disease and will impose a curfew to limit social interaction. More here .

White House Eyes Stimulus Package

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a White House press conference Tuesday, said the administration wants to provide “business interruption payments” to Americans, possibly delivering checks within the next two weeks. More here .

United Kingdom Encourages Britons to End Social Contact

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson encourages Britons to end any and all forms of social contact, which includes bars, restaurants, and shopping centers. World Health Organization Director David Nabarro praised Johnson’s policy shift by ramping up U.K. safety measures. More here .

Florida Chamber of Commerce www.FloridaChamber.com/Coronavirus