IT'S TIME

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —Gov. Ron DeSantis said most of Florida will be able to enter phase one of reopening as of May 4, except for in three counties with the most cases in South Florida.

“We need to focus on facts and not fear,” DeSantis said in a news conference discussing his plan for reopening Florida Wednesday evening.

He said the state needs to reopen gradually with all but Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties moving to phase one on May 4.

WATCH: DeSantis is announcing his plan to reopen Florida’s economy

“We will get Florida back on its feet by using an approach that’s safe, smart and step-by-step,” he said.

DeSantis said phase one means elective surgeries can resume, and restaurants can do outdoor seating with 6 feet between tables and 25% capacity indoors with 6-foot spacing.

He said retail can reopen as well with 25% capacity.

DeSantis said in phase one schools, bars, gyms and personal services will remain closed.