Florida News – Highlights from around the state – April 2nd
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statewide safer-at-home order for non-essential activities taking effect at midnight tonight. South Florida was already under this declaration. The list of “essential” activities and services is extensive and includes groceries/household goods, pet supplies, caring for loved ones, religious services, etc. The declaration is in force for a minimum of 30 days.
- The model most commonly cited by Florida officials, which includes an early May peak for the virus in our state, would result in more than 7,000 deaths in Florida. As of now the total stands at 101.
- The state waived the one-week waiting period from the time of job loss before eligibility for unemployment compensation. This will allow eligible filers instant access to funds. This as the state is working to add capacity to the website for applications after numerous issues with Floridians unable to complete requests.
- The United States Coast Guard has ordered all active cruise ships to sequester at sea remaining offshore with passengers to be returned to their country of origin. This directly impacts the Zanndam and Rotterdam which have been set to arrive in Port Everglades today. 305 of the 1,243 passengers on the Zanndam are Americans with 49 Floridians among them.