Beaches, Parks, Non-Essential Retail Closed in Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez today issued stricter orders for public parks, beaches, and non-essential retail establishments to further combat the spread of the coronavirus. 

All beaches and parks are closed as of 9 am today.

Effective at 9 pm today, all non-essential retail and commercial establishments are ordered closed. There is a long, detailed list of what businesses and services may still be provided during this time but they include healthcare providers, food stores, media services, gas stations and auto repair shops, banks and financial institutions, hardware stores, and transportation services. Many more details in the order which can be found here.

The order does not affect government operations “except that such entities shall abide by the restrictions of any County, Municipal, State or Federal emergency order, as applicable.”

The order does not limit the number of people who may be physically present performing services in an essential business but states, “Employers and employees are urged, but are not required, to practice social distancing, such as keeping six feet between persons and limiting group size to less than ten people.” It also does not limit attendance at religious services but urges the same social distancing.

Mayor Dan Gelber, in anticipation of today’s announcement, said this last night: For our City and community I believe these, though painful, were necessary steps and I let County Mayor Gimenez know so earlier today [Wednesday]. Our hope is that these extraordinary measures will bring a swifter end to the impact of this deadly virus. I appreciate the understanding of our residents and fully believe we will emerge from this stronger and more united. My thoughts are with those that feel the brunt of this dislocation most acutely and we will do everything we can to advocate for relief. Stay healthy.”