Orange County, Florida Mayor Jerry L. Demings has provided additional insight into WWE’s ability to move forward with shows within the state.
When asked about the company’s ability to run, Demings indicated that after initially being deemed ‘non-essential’, that was reversed following conversations with Governor Ron DeSantis’ office:
I think initially there was a review that was done, and they were not initially deemed an ‘essential business’. With some conversation with the Governor’s office regarding the Governor’s order they were deemed an ‘essential business’ and so, therefore, they were allowed to remain open.
Footage of @OCFLMayor‘s statement on WWE running live TV tapings within the county right now: pic.twitter.com/6HVJr2TxcO
— Harry (@harryaaron) April 13, 2020
WWE has been running empty arena shows at the WWE Performance Center and Full Sail University over the past month. On Friday, it was reported they would be proceeding with live programming with Raw, NXT, and Friday Night SmackDown on a weekly basis.
WWE has also confirmed their first positive case for COVID-19 with an on-air talent, who’s identity has not been released publicly. WWE issued the following statement over the weekend:
A WWE employee has tested positive for COVID-19. We believe this matter is low risk to WWE talent and staff, as the individual and a roommate became symptomatic in the days following exposure to two people working in acute health care on the evening of March 26, after WWE’s TV production on a closed set was already complete. The employee had no contact with anyone from WWE since being exposed to those two individuals, is doing well, and made a complete recovery.
