City Of Tampa Launches 'Lift Up Local' Portal

May 20, 2020 By: Staff Report The City of Tampa has launched the Lift Up Local Economic Recovery Plan, which temporarily allows restaurants

May 20, 2020

By: Staff Report

The City of Tampa has launched the Lift Up Local Economic Recovery Plan, which temporarily allows restaurants and retail businesses to expand their business footprint onto the public rights-of-way or in privately owned parking facilities without meeting certain City code and permit requirements.

In the portal, the City has listed requirements in both English and Spanish, as well as CDC recommendations for sanitizing restaurants and seating areas.

Restaurant Requirements

Indoor capacity limited to 50% of building occupancy, which excludes staff personnel.
All indoor and outdoor seating must be spaced at least six feet apart except to the extent that appropriate partitioning is in place.
It is strongly encouraged to test your workforce for COVID-19. Call (813) 272-5900 for free testing. No symptoms necessary, and insurance is not required.
Use disposable paper menus.
Provide easily accessible sanitizer for patrons and employees.
It is strongly encouraged to implement contactless ordering and payment processes.
All restaurants are encouraged to use a reservation process to prevent capacity issues. Restaurants using Parklets or participating in the ‘Café and Retail’ zones are REQUIRED to use a reservation process to prevent patrons from congregating while waiting for service.
Facial coverings must be worn by “front of house” staff members who interact with customers.
Limit contact with dining guests by reducing the number of visits wait staff make to each table.

Restaurant + Retail Recovery Program

As part of the Lift Up Local program, businesses may expand dining and retail areas to certain areas of private property not typically permitted for business activity such as: private outdoor areas, parking lots, public rights-of-way, and parklets. Outdoor space may be used during normal business operating hours. Tables must be separated by 6 feet (measured from chair backs). The City has also designated three (3) Cafe & Retail Zones for businesses in concentrated areas to expand outside spaces. This program is intended to help restaurants expand capacity in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 20-123. Learn more about the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan. This is not to create a gathering or social space. Gathering in groups will not be permitted in outside areas.

Should you re-open?

The CDC has provided guidance for businesses and workplaces on how they can plan, prepare, and respond in regards to re-opening responsibly.

The purpose of the tools below is to assist employers in making (re)opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to protect vulnerable workers. It is important to check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. For more information, please visit the CDC website .

Re-opening Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting

The CDC has provided guidance for the cleaning & disinfecting of public spaces in preparation for the re-opening. In addition to observing guidance from state & local authorities, the following 3 step plan to clean and disinfect has been recommended:

Develop Your Plan
1. Determine what needs to be cleaned: Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.
2. Determine how areas will be disinfected: Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
3. Consider the resources & equipment needed: Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants
Implement
1. Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfection.
2. Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant product: Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.
3. Always follow the directions on the label: The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
Maintain & Revise
1. Continue routine cleaning & disinfection: Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
2. Maintain safe practices such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick
3. Continue practices that reduce the potential for exposure: Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects

Utilize the CDC’s Cleaning & Disinfecting Tool to determine your plan.

For complete guidelines within the City of Tampa limits, please visit https://www.tampagov.net/emergency-management/LiftUpLocal