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3/21/2020 - Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-70, ordering all potential gathering places to close due to the spread of COVID-19.


Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-70, ordering all potential gathering places to close due to the spread of COVID-19. This includes the on-premises service of customers for all restaurants, bars, taverns, pubs, night clubs, banquet halls, cocktail lounges, cabarets, breweries, cafeterias, and any other alcohol and/or food service establishments with seating for more than ten (10) people. Such establishments’ kitchens may operate to provide delivery services. Additionally, the employees, janitorial personnel, contractors, and delivery personnel shall be allowed access to such establishments. The governor intends for these closures are in effect in accordance with the President’s “15 Days to Slow the Spread” initiative from March 16, 2020.

 

This executive order does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and convenience stores—except for those portions of these establishments that provide alcohol and/or food service with seating for more than ten (10) people. The order also does not apply to delivery, pick-up, or take out services provided by any of the above establishments. Further, the order does not apply to restaurants at airports, port facilities, secure facilities, and hospitals. However, we strongly encourage members of the public and city employees to take necessary precautions when visiting any open establishments, including grocery stores and pharmacies, and to maintain a social distance of at least six (6) feet from other persons.

 

Additionally, all movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades, gymnasiums, fitness studios, and beaches shall close. The order does not apply to gymnasiums or fitness centers that are amenities of hotels and have a capacity of 10 persons or less, are an amenity of a residential building, are interior to any fire or police stations, or are located inside any single-occupant office building.

 

The closures referenced above shall expire on March 31, 2020 but may be renewed if requested in writing by the Palm Beach County Administrator. Municipalities may impose more stringent standards within their jurisdictions.