Hillsborough Restaurants, Surgeries Open Monday With Limitations

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County emergency leaders have aligned the community’s coronavirus recovery with Phase 1 of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today.

Previous state and Hillsborough safer-at-home orders are now rescinded. The governor’s new executive order still requires residents to limit personal interactions outside the home, but allows conditional reopening of certain activities, stores, restaurant seating and some cultural facilities.

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The governor’s Executive Order 20-112 does not prevent local governments from being more restrictive. That gives Hillsborough emergency leaders the ability to take actions they deem necessary to protect the health and safety of our residents.

Beginning today in Hillsborough:

• Restaurants may offer outdoor seating and indoor seating at 25 percent of building capacity. Restaurants must adopt appropriate social distancing measures.
• In-store retail businesses are allowed to operate at 25 percent occupancy and must abide by CDC and OSHA safety guidelines.
• Elective medical procedures may resume at hospital ambulatory surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental offices, orthodontic offices, endodontic offices and other health care offices that meet certain conditions.
• Museums may open at 25 percent occupancy. Any components of museums that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, remain closed.
• Schools continue distance learning.
• Sporting venues may operate, but without spectators.

What remains closed:

• Personal services such as hair and nail salons and barbershops
• Bars, pubs and nightclubs
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Movie theaters and concert halls
• The prohibition on vacation rentals remains in effect.

Residents should continue to take these steps to safeguard themselves and others:

• Seniors and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to stay at home except when participating in essential activities and obtaining essential services and should take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
• Cloth face coverings are recommended in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies).
• To reduce risk, the Centers for Disease Control recommends washing hands often, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
• Visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities are prohibited.

For more information about Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery, including a list of frequently-asked questions, visit the county's website.

See related stories:

• Hillsborough County To Reopen Nature Preserves; Parks Stay Closed
• $15 Million In Hillsborough Coronavirus Aid Dispersed In 3 Days