Tuesday, March 17, 2020 – Orlando, FL – Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer provided an update on the City of Orlando’s efforts to combat COVID-19 and limit the spread of the virus.
“For us to flatten the curve in our community, each of us must make real sacrifices and take drastic measures to help prevent the spread of this virus, in an effort to save the lives of our friends, family members and neighbors,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “That’s why I’m asking our residents to practice social distancing and to stay at home as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary interactions.”
To support this effort, Mayor Dyer announced some city services will be managed and delivered by employees working remotely beginning Thursday, March 19 and encouraged residents to request city services remotely by phone and using online methods, including at orlando.gov where residents can access more than 290 municipal services.
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) introduced new guidelines discouraging gatherings of ten or more people. To limit unnecessary social interaction, today Mayor Dyer announced that effective immediately and until March 31, 2020, the City of Orlando is prohibiting the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages at bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels or other venues where alcohol is typically consumed, pursuant to the provisions of Code 43-A of the City Code. This order does not apply to stores where alcohol is sold but not consumed.
Mayor Dyer advised the city will continue to look at how the CDC’s guidelines will impact the operations of restaurants and he applauded the efforts of local restaurants that have already contained their operations to takeout, curbside service or limited their occupancy. Mayor Dyer encouraged other restaurants to follow suit and due the same to support social distancing.
Residents and local businesses experiencing financial strain caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are encouraged to connect with local partners like Heart of Florida United Way, which can be reached by calling 2-1-1. Businesses are encouraged to complete the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Business Damage Assessment Survey, which will be shared with state and local agencies. In addition, the State of Florida has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small business impacted with short-term, interest-free loans.
“These are not decisions that we take lightly,” explained Mayor Dyer. “COVID-19 will be one of the greatest challenges our community has ever faced. This is bigger than all of us. Our goal right now is to stop the spread of the virus and it will take all of us working together to make that happen.”
The City of Orlando continues to monitor this ever-evolving situation and will continue to update the City’s website dedicated to the city’s response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) at orlando.gov/covid19 with the latest information.