Gulfshore Business has been providing daily updates on temporary business closures, adjustments, financial assistance and more in response to COVID-19. For daily information, subscribe to our free newsletter, Gulfshore Business Daily, and find archived newsletters at GulfshoreBusiness.com.
Friday, May 1
U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS SURPASS 30 MILLION SINCE PANDEMIC
Video courtesy of WINK News
Thursday, April 30
GOV. DESANTIS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR REOPENING FLORIDA
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday unveiled his “Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step” plan for reopening the state of Florida. Starting Monday, restaurants and retail stores will be allowed to reopen, but only at 25% capacity – and they will have to maintain social distancing. Restaurants will also be allowed to offer outdoor seating, but again with social distancing plans in place. Phase 1 of the plan will also allow hospitals and surgical centers to restart nonessential, elective procedures throughout the state. Because of social distancing concerns, businesses such as movie theaters, bars, gyms and hair salons will not be allowed to reopen yet. Also, the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach are excluded from the first phase because of their greater number of coronavirus cases. Story reported by WINK News.
Wednesday, April 29
LEE COUNTY REOPENS BEACHES, PARKS AND PRESERVES
Today (Wednesday), Lee County is reopening the county parks and preserves, including all beaches and beach access points, parking lots and freestanding restrooms. Staff will be onsite to help encourage following the CDC guidelines, including social distancing. This move, approved at an emergency Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, is part of the county’s phased-in approach for residents while still observing the governor’s executive order.
Lee County amenities remaining closed include playgrounds, pavilions, recreation centers, basketball courts, pools, splash pads and soccer, lacrosse and football fields. Baseball and softball fields will reopen with caveats, including no league play and no access to dugouts or bleachers. Normal operating hours at all parks, preserves and beach-access sites will be observed. For a complete list of parks and restrictions, go to leegov.com.
Video courtesy of WINK News
Tuesday, April 28
NCH PURCHASES ADVANCED EQUIPMENT FOR CORONAVIRUS TESTING
Monday, April 27
PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS $484 BILLION MEASURE TO AID EMPLOYERS, HOSPITALS
President Donald Trump signed $484 billion legislation Friday to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the coronavirus pandemic. The bill is the latest effort by the federal government to help keep afloat businesses dramatically affected by efforts to slow the spread of the virus. During the last five weeks, about 26 million people have filed for unemployment assistance. This legislation provides $320 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and $60 billion more for the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Program. To aid coronavirus response efforts, $75 billion in funding will be provided to hospitals and healthcare providers and $25 billion will support the nation’s testing efforts, the White House reports.
