FL Chamber says it’s ready for reopen Phase 2. DeSantis: ‘I’m not singing their tune’
In a newsletter to members, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning alluded to an upcoming Phase 2 reopening of the state to begin Monday, May 18.
But at a press conference announcing the initial reopening of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he and one of the state’s largest business associations are not working in concert.
“I don’t know what the Florida Chamber is saying,” he said early Thursday afternoon in Doral. “I go by the beat of my own drum. I’m not singing their tune or anyone else’s tune.”
In the Thursday email, Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson wrote, “I expect several announcements today and tomorrow regarding the continued relaunch of Florida’s economy. As we approach the anticipated May 18 ‘Phase 2’ of Governor DeSantis’ phased-in reopening plan, I anticipate this will allow more businesses, in more counties, to begin expanding operations.”
The email then teased a Friday evening webinar titled “Florida’s Economy: The Relaunch Begins” hosted by Wilson and the Chamber’s chief economist, Jerry Parrish.
A Chamber spokeswoman said Wilson’s comments in the email newsletter were based upon White House guidelines, which mandate states that document a downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period are able to move into the next phase of reopening.
“It was May 4 when Phase 1 went into effect. We are just saying that we anticipate Phase 2 is around the corner,” said Florida Chamber Vice President for Communications Edie Ousley. “Fourteen days plus 4 gets you to the 18th. We aren’t saying it’s happening on the 18th, we are just saying we anticipate that it’s around the corner.”
To date, DeSantis has not strictly followed White House guidelines, and he said he has not had any discussion about Phase 2. He did indicate that he would authorize a 50% cap on capacity at Miami-Dade County restaurants, double the state’s current 25% cap.
The state mandate for Phase 2 is singular: businesses should operate at 75% capacity and are recommended to but not required to disinfect areas and equipment accessed by customers between use. Businesses should separate patrons by six feet and resume indoor group sessions and classes with restricted capacity.
In March, the Chamber was urging DeSantis not to take drastic measures that might shut down the state’s economy. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association was also asking for ways to help its industries stay afloat.
At the time, DeSantis had not yet announced his statewide “stay at home” order or his orders to close nonessential businesses and put a hold on elective surgeries. He was still deferring to local leaders to make such decisions.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez asked the governor to allow the 50% threshold as he plans to lift COVID-19 closure orders on most businesses Monday and allow restaurants to once again welcome customers into dining rooms that he ordered to empty on March 17.
Just this week, Palm Beach County joined 64 other counties across the state in reopening under Phase 1 rules, meaning restaurants and retailers can open their doors following social distancing guidelines. Miami-Dade and Broward counties will be the last to transition to Phase 1. While some business owners cheer the ability to finally open amid an unprecedented economic crisis, some health experts are wary of how fast the state should be moving.
Dr. Aileen Marty, a professor of infectious diseases at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine who volunteered to help craft Miami-Dade’s reopening guidelines, said “there should be a longer Phase 1 before we move to Phase 2 so we can observe the results and see what needs to be fixed. It’s a little preliminary to move on to Phase 2.”
Miami Herald staff writer Carlos Frias contributed to this report.
