LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – After a month long stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a new executive order allowing some businesses to reopen with restrictions beginning May 4. The governor’s order is part of a multi-phase plan to slowly reopen the state’s economy and allows for local leaders to make decisions based on their communities.
Lake County officials have announced the following will reopen or operate under modified standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on May 4. They’ve also created a website to guide residents through the reopening process:
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Grocery stories, big box stores and hardware stores will operate at a limited occupancy that allows for at least six feet between patrons and employees. Stores are also required to mark six feet around the building and at checkout lines.
Businesses are asked to provide touchless hand sanitizer stations will be provided for patrons and employees at each business location.
Restaurants will also be allowed to reopen operating at a 25% capacity and maintaining six feet between patrons. City officials in Clermont are waiving permit fees for restaurants wanting to add temporary outdoor seating. Restaurants will have to notify the city’s building services department of their outdoor seating plans.
Boating: All recreational vessel occupancy is limited to no more than 10 persons per vessel and must maintain a minimum of 50 feet between other boats, per the Florida Fish and Wildlife guidelines.
Parks and recreation
Lake Louisa State Park reopened May 7 for daytime hours only. Rentals, guided horseback trail rides and other services will start again over the next few days, according to Florida State Park officials.
Libraries begin curbside service
Beginning May 4, some Lake County libraries will offer curbside service. Library card holders can use their Lake County library cards to access the online catalog or call a participating library for curbside service. All library items will be available for pickup, including books, DVDs, videogames, baking pans, puzzles, ukuleles, launch pads (tablets with preloaded children’s games) and more.
School graduations
Lake County high schools will host new June commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020. Click here for a list of dates and times.
[RELATED: Everything you need to know about phase one of reopening Florida]
As more announcements are made this story will be updated.