Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would be moving to Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan.

Under Phase 3, locations like bars, pubs, and nightclubs, which earn more than 50% of sales from alcohol, are allowed to operate at full capacity, with limited social distancing guidelines. Restaurants are also no longer subject to capacity restrictions.

Today, Dr. Anothy Fauci spoke with Good Morning America about the pandemic. GMA host Amy Robach began the segment by noting that deaths from COVID-19 worldwide is nearing one million, and that 33 states are reporting increases in cases. Dr. Fauci noted that while there are certainly parts of the United States that are doing well, there are states that are starting to show upticks in cases.

Robach then asked Dr. Fauci about Florida’s decision to ease restrictions opening up bars and restaurants in light of these developments. Dr. Fauci noted that it was “very concerning” to him. According to Dr. Fauci, “when you’re dealing with community spread, and you have the kind of congregate setting where people get together, particularly without masks, you’re really asking for trouble.”

Dr. Fauci clarified, however, that he’s “not talking about shutting anything down.” Instead, he said, what he’s talking about is utilizing “common sense type public health measures.” When asked what it would take to advocate for a shutdown again, Dr. Fauci said he’d like to not go there again because it causes a lot of collateral problems, and that we want to do everything we can to avoid a shut down.

According to NBC News, Florida is still “one of the states hardest hit by the virus.” NBC News spoke with Cindy Prins, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions, who said, “I think that given the level of Covid-19 still circulating in Florida and the inability to socially distance in most restaurants with 100 percent capacity — and without masks — this could very likely cause an increase in cases.”

In Disney World, several bars have reopened including Thirsty River Bar and Dawa Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and places like Weinkeller in EPCOT have begun serving wine and beer by the glass again. Other spots, like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar reopened some time ago, but some, like Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, remain closed.

Disney has already noted that they would not be making any immediate changes as a result of this transition to Phase 3. So, while Florida has lifted certain capacity restrictions, that doesn’t necessarily mean Disney will be altering their current capacity limitations or practices in the immediate future.We’re on the lookout for more updates on this situation, so be sure to come back for the latest news.

Click here to read Disney’s comments about Florida moving to Phase 3.

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The post Dr. Fauci Says It’s “Very Concerning” That Florida Is Removing Capacity Restrictions on Bars and Restaurants first appeared on the disney food blog.