#407day: Orlando residents support local restaurants by ordering takeout, delivery

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With Orange County having the most cases of coronavirus in Central Florida -- in turn affecting local businesses -- leaders are asking the community to step up with support for 407 Day.

While the Lake Eola fountain shined red to support emergency workers Monday evening, dozens of restaurants around the lake continue to operate during the pandemic to remain afloat.

“We know that restaurants are vital to our overall food chain and it’s keeping many of our small businesses open,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Read: Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic

To help boost small businesses, the county declared April 7 “407-day,” connecting the date with the area code to encourage people to order carry-out meals and use the hashtag #407day on social media in support of local restaurants.

County and city leaders do not want residents to forget the precautions to take if you do leave home to support a business, like wearing face masks.

As of Tuesday, Orange County has more than 750 confirmed cases. That number is expected to top 1000 cases by the end of the week.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Coronavirus cases in Florida

© 2020 Cox Media Group