NEWS: White House Task Force Recommends Florida Close Gyms, Restaurants, and Bars

In recent weeks, the nation has seen a rise in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. This has led some states to roll back on their reopening timelines, like California, which just came out of a nearly two-month long regional stay-at-home order that mandated the closure of restaurants.

Source: State of California

In Florida, a recent rise in hospitalizations was of special concern to the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which is now suggesting the state take action to slow the spread.

Yesterday, the White House Coronavirus Task Force Report suggested that businesses in the state of Florida where face masks are not worn 100% of the time should be closed down. This would include businesses like restaurants, bars, and gyms, according to First Coast News.

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the idea of future shutdowns today, though not specifically mentioning the Task Force nor their recommendations. He stated that “We believe every job is essential…You work in a restaurant, we have your back. If you are a hair stylist, we protect your right to earn a living and if you are a parent we ensure your kids have the right to in-person learning. Lockdowns do not work.”

Ron DeSantis During Press Conference

Business owners in Florida cited financial and economic hardships endured during an earlier shutdown in 2020, with restaurants losing revenue and gyms losing memberships. The economic implications are met with concerns from health specialists like Assistant Chief Medical Officer at UF Health Jacksonville Dr. Chirag Patel who point out that “we still have long ways to go before we can start feeling comfortable about the fact that we have this under control.”