Bowling Alleys, Arcades, Movie Theaters Reopen In Broward With Reduced Capacity
BROWARD COUNTY (CBSMiami) – Broward County further eased pandemic restrictions Monday, allowing some indoor entertainment activities to reopen.
Some of those business reopening, which included bowling alleys, movie theaters and arcades, submitted approved plans outlining safety measures.
Broward County Emergency Order 20-15 states indoor amusement facilities are permitted to open at 50% occupancy provided they follow social distancing guidelines.
Aquatic playgrounds, such as interactive water play, are permitted to operate.
The new order was signed Friday by County Administrator Bertha Henry, also bumped capacity of museums from 25% to 50%.
All newly reopened businesses must adhere to social distancing, facial covering and sanitation requirements recommended by the CDC.
Vacation rentals and parimutuel facilities are also allowed under the new order.
At Manor Lanes Bowling Alley in Wilton Manors, there was a line at the door Monday morning at 9 a.m.
"It's devastating to shut someone down 90 days, especially a small business" said owner Dwight Matlack.
He said he is hoping to gradually bounce back.
"The phone is ringing off the hook," he added.
His sports bar and arcade opened too.
He is operating at 25% capacity.
In Hollywood, Cinema Paradiso movie theater was busy making final preparations Monday for their grand reopening.
Between the Hollywood location and their Fort Lauderdale theater, the losses have been severe.
But manager Michelle Filippi remains optimistic.
"We are taking the necessary precautions. You can't stay inside forever. Might as well be safe, go out and trust us," said Filippi.
Even though the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Florida, there are no plans to pull back on the slow reopening in South Florida.
"We have tremendous bed capacity," said Broward Health Regional Medical Officer Dr. Joshua Lenchus. "Four out of 5 patients who suffer from COVID wind up not requiring hospitalization."
