PROTESTS
strations just as many communities are trying to reignite their economies in a post-pandemic world.
That is particularly true in Central Florida where Universal Orlando is scheduled to open to the public on Friday for the first time in more than two months and Legoland in nearby Polk County opened on Monday. Officials have said they fear large gatherings could become a catalyst for a second wave of infections.
Dr. Raul Pino, Orange’s officer from the Florida Department of Health, said protesters could still express their frustrations, but also wear masks and try to keep physical distance from each other while demonstrating. He said shouting and hyperventilation have the potential to expel more germs into the air.
Pino had expressed similar concerns over smaller protests that occurred outside the county administration building in April as people gathered to demand an end of the shutdown brought by the virus.
“The issues continue to be the same. Large gatherings of people who are not observing social distancing, using masks, or the ability to sanitize, hand wash and do other things will increase the number of cases,” Pino said. “We could wear masks, we could observe some social distancing elements.”
By Monday afternoon, Orange tallied 2,031 cases of the virus since it began counting in March and the rate of tests with positive results has remained low in recent weeks at about 2.8%.
Pino said the peak of the pandemic in Orange County saw 21.1 positive cases per 100,000 residents, and the lowest was 5.8.
On Monday, the rate had ticked up to 9.4 cases per 100,000 people, he said.
“We’re optimistic in the sense that the increase has been slow and not very dramatic,” Pino said.
Orange County also added details to ocfl.net/orangecares, its website for struggling small businesses and families seeking a share of federal coronavirus-relief aid.
The money “does come with certain stipulations that we have to follow,” Demings said. “It’s not free money in the sense there are no strings attached to it. There are specific guidelines that we have to meet as we provide those funds to small businesses.” The mayor explained the county will be held accountable to show it followed federal rules for dispersing the money.
But the new information is good news for businesses and families eager to apply for the relief.
The county set aside $72.9 million for the small business grant program and about $36.5 million for its Individual and Family Assistance Program. Applications can be submitted beginning Monday, June 8.
Eligible businesses could receive a grant up to $10,000, which does not need to be repaid.
Residents seeking $1,000 household grants must reside in Orange County and pay rent or own a home here. An adult in the household must have lost a job or had their work hours reduced due to COVID-19. All adults in the home must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent legal resident.
Other criteria for both programs are spelled out on the site, which includes a listing of needed documents and a frequently-answered-questions section.
The mayor also announced the county plans to open family camping sites in Kelly, Magnolia, Moss and Trimble parks on Friday. The sites are restricted to eight people or fewer.