Governor working toward reopening state salons after visiting Orlando

Governor DeSantis discusses hair salon safety

Gov. DeSantis met with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to discuss what it would take for salons and barber shops to reopen in the state.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis, along with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, visited an Orlando hair salon Saturday afternoon.

He stopped by the OhSoooJazzy Hair Salon around to speak with salon workers. The Orange County Task Force has called on the governor to reopen salons and barbershops as part of his phase 1 plan starting Monday.

The governor spoke with employees about how they would be able to operate safely if allowed to reopen to ensure that the coronavirus doesn't spread.

Mayor Demings says he believes salons and barbershops can open safely under new regulations and guidelines. Salons say being safe and sanitary is “second nature to us.”

DeSantis says he will be taking what the employees said and discuss it with his team over the next few days before making a decision to allow them to open up.

The governor also took some time to announce new coronavirus testing sites coming to Florida.

A new mobile lab in a converted RV will be launching next week that will be able to do tests and get results in about 45 minutes, DeSantis said.

Also, Walgreens will be opening 9 drive-thru coronavirus testing sites in Florida, with two coming to Orange County. One will be in Orlando on Narcoossee Road. The other will be in Winter Garden on Winter Garden-Vineland Road. CVS and Walmart will also be opening drive-thru sites, but locations have not been announced.

Mayor Demings says the county is expecting one million masks and 200,000 bottles of hand sanitizer that they will distribute to small businesses in need of PPE. They are expecting the shipment this upcoming week.

Restaurants are preparing to reopen Monday. Under the governor's plan, they can operate at 25% capacity indoors. Tables outside have to be 6-feet apart. Retail stores also set to reopen at 25% capacity and state parks will reopen as well.

(MOBILE USERS WATCH FOX 35 HERE)

Be sure to tune in to FOX 35 News on Monday, May 4 for all-day 'Florida's First Steps' live coverage as local businesses begin to reopen and get the economy back on track.