Americans have experienced unprecedented restrictions on their everyday life in order to fight the COVID-19 virus, resulting in businesses across the U.S. shutting down and over 30 million Americans filing for unemployment.
With some states beginning to open up and relax limitations put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub released its report on the States with the Fewest Coronavirus Restrictions. The study, released on Tuesday, ranked Florida as one of the least restrictive states in the country, with the state coming in ranked 9th on their list.
How do your state’s #coronavirus restrictions compare with the rest of the U.S.? Find out here: https://t.co/sEjSfhNDLe #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/8qnEWCfTLZ
— WalletHub (@wallethub) May 5, 2020
To identify which states have the fewest coronavirus restrictions, the personal-finance compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 9 key metrics. The data set ranges from limits on large gatherings to the presence of a “shelter-in-place” order and whether restaurants and bars have reopened. Below, you can see highlights from the report, along with a WalletHub Q&A.
Below, you can see highlights from the report, which includes five of the biggest factors that contributed to Florida’s ranking.
Coronavirus Restrictions in Florida (1=Fewest, 25=Avg.):
- 1st – Requirement to Wear a Face Mask in Public
- 10th – Large Gatherings Restrictions
- 7th – “Shelter in Place” Order
- 15th – Reopening of Non-Essential Businesses
- 3rd – Reopening of Restaurants and Bar
Note: Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Florida coming in at 9th in WalletHub’s ranking should come as no surprise, given Governor Ron DeSantis‘ leadership and careful approach to implementing a statewide lockdown during the pandemic. Unlike other governors, DeSantis was hesitant to issue a stay-at-home order last month. While he did eventually issue the executive order, DeSantis did not elect to extend the order when it ended last week.
DeSantis also chose to allow some beaches and parks in Florida to reopen early, with more easing restrictions on a daily basis.
With the state starting phase 1 and officially reopening its economy on Monday, Florida looks to be an example that other states can follow.
For the entire report, click HERE.
Contrary to what this article states, bars are not “allowed” to open along with Salons, Barbers, Gyms, movie theaters and more. Retail business, malls and restaurants 25%, some offices still closed. Stay at Home order in place indefinitely until DeSantis changes his mind based on un-named parameters. “Essential” only. The newest executive order is a fun read, it specifically mentions the fines and jail time citizens can receive for violating social distancing mandates. Does that sound like extreme totalitarian rule to anyone but me? Talk about restrictive.