WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando
Life changed drastically four years ago when shutdowns, closures and more took over as the coronavirus situation picked up.
On March 13, 2020, spring break was extended for Florida students and theme parks announced closures.
Here’s what the rest of March 2020 looked like as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolved.
March 13 – Spring break extended
The state orders that all Florida public schools take an additional week off after spring break with the intent to resume classes on March 30.
March 13 – Theme parks announce closure
Officials from Universal Orlando Resort and Disney World say their theme parks will close effective March 15.
March 17 – First drive-up coronavirus testing opens in Central Florida
The first drive-up testing sites open in Central Florida.
March 17 – Bars/nightclubs shut down
Gov. Ron DeSantis orders that all bars and nightclubs be shut down statewide. We also learned students won’t return to class until at least mid-April.
March 20 – Restaurants ordered to switch to take-out, delivery only
DeSantis orders that all restaurants switch to takeout and delivery-only to prevent guests from dining inside.
March 20 – Orange County institutes curfew
Orange County was the first in Central Florida to issue a curfew. The curfew required residents to stay indoors from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with exception to first responders and health professionals.
March 23 – Visitors from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut ordered to self-isolate
DeSantis orders that anyone flying from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to Florida self-isolates for 14 days. Later that night, DeSantis asks Trump for a major disaster declaration, which would allow certain FEMA programs to be activated.
March 23 – Flagler County beaches close
Flagler County officials close county beaches until further notice.
March 24 – Universal extends closure
Universal Orlando says parks will be closed through mid-April along with CityWalk.
March 24 – Stay-at-home orders issued in Orange County
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issued a stay-at-home order for the county that included Orlando.
March 26 – Brevard beaches close
In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Brevard County commissioners announced all beaches on the Space Coast will be closed on the weekends but remain open on weekdays.
March 27 – Seminole County issues social-distancing mandate
Seminole County issued a social-distancing order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Officials said this type of order vs. a stay-at-home order would allow businesses to remain open.
March 30 – Retired first responders/medical personnel asked to return to workforce
DeSantis asks retired first responders and medical personnel to return to the workforce so they can help to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
To view a full timeline on the spread of coronavirus in Florida, click here.
Kelly O’Donnell reports on the latest information about COVID, its origins, and tension in China.