Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said it could be early June before restrictions are relaxed and people can return to work despite a slightly downward trend in COVID-19 hospitalizations in greater Orlando

Headline Surfer Infographic / Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is shown above, along with the latest COVID-19 statistics.

By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Despite a slight reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings doesn't foresee the lessening of restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus pandemic until early June and even keeping some of the restrictions intact through the summer.

The county mayor said he's mindful of the need for people to return to work, but not if it means putting them in danger with the coronavirus still prevalent.

Demings made his assessment Thursday night, saying in part, “I believe, given the models, it could be June -- early June -- where we see some relaxing of the restrictions in place. But they would have to stay in place to some degree through late summer.”

Demings made his assessment Thursday night, saying in part, “I believe, given the models, it could be June -- early June -- where we see some relaxing of the restrictions in place. But they would have to stay in place to some degree through late summer."

Demings said when the infectious disease experts determine the pandemic's curve has been flattened he wants to set up a panel  to work alongside with the state in establishing guidelines for the return to work for the displaced workers here in greater Orlando and beyond.

Orange County reminds residents that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ statewide stay-at-home order remains in place.