Sports fans could be filling stadiums and arenas in Florida as early as next week.
Florida is reporting increasing numbers of new COVID-19 cases each day. However, as part of his phase one reopening plan, Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced large spectator sporting events will be permitted to open but should use “strict social distancing guidelines” and limit occupancy of venues to 25 percent of a building’s capacity.
Strangely, other guidelines for phase one include people being asked not to gather in groups larger than 10. Most people are to continue working from home, while nightclubs “that derive at least 50 percent of sales from alcohol” must remain closed. Restaurants while gyms and fitness centers have to operate at 50 percent capacity.
Phase one of DeSantis’ plan starts this Monday.
On Thursday, Florida’s Department of Health revealed the state had 1,038 new cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases rising to 34,728.