WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has announced the cancellation of mass gatherings at major events in the county.
In a press release issued Thursday, Gimenez said the county Youth Fair, Miami Open tennis tournament, the MIA 5K Run and all major events at the AmericanAirlines Arena would suspend their operations.
Thursday afternoon, Gimenez addressed reporters alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I urge everyone to be patient as we adjust to these temporary changes,” said Gimenez.
The Youth Fair was expected to open at around 3 p.m. Thursday. Instead, 7News cameras captured crews breaking down food concession stands and rides.
“This is unprecedented,” said Youth Fair President Eddie Cora.
The news of the 69th Youth Fair being postponed came less than 24 hours after the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Miami-Dade County.
Gimenez released a statement saying, “Although we do not have community spread at this time, we want to take the preemptive steps to keep it that way.”
“Although we are disappointed with the decision that was made, we understand why these decisions were made by Mayor Gimenez,” said Cora.
DeSantis said events have to be cancelled as officials try to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
“I am recommending to local municipalities and private entities to strongly consider limiting or postponing mass gatherings in the state of Florida,” he said.
Last week, Cora spoke with 7News about safety measures they were taking to keep Youth Fair guests safe, like adding had sanitizer and hand washing stations.
At that time, Cora said he was optimistic that the fair would have a good turnout, but as news of the fair’s postponement came to light, he said the virus has impacted the event financially.
“The financial ramifications are huge; they can’t be downplayed,” Cora said. “What they are right now, I don’t think they can be measured between ourselves, the ride company and the food concessionaires.”
“I really wanted to take the opportunity this year and go with my friends,” said Florida International University student Deborah Schenning.
Southwest Miami-Dade resident Mario Rivera and his family showed up to the fairgrounds to find them closed.
“I’ve never stopped coming to the Youth Fair since I was a little kid,” he said.
But both Schenning and Rivera said suspending the fair was the right move.
“People go with their families, and what if you go with your grandparents and something happens?” said Schenning.
But others, like Amanda Andujar, a 4-H leader, said they’re frustrated at the short notice.
“There is now not going to be any show, and there’s not going to be any auction for these children,” she said.
These children had been training, feeding and caring for animals and were scheduled to part with them on auction day.
Andujar said she hopes private buyers will step up to buy the animals.
“The kids are crying. My kids have been crying,” she said. “It’s very emotional because the kids have put a lot of money and a lot of time.”
Fair organizers are trying to figure out whether they should postpone the Youth Fair to a later date this year or issue refunds to those who bought tickets.
As for financial impact, Cora said it’s too early to know specifics, but it will definitely be major.
“The financial ramifications are huge. It can’t be downplayed,” he said.
Despite many fair employees being out of work, Cora said some food vendors are still thinking of others.
“They’re looking to try to donate some of it. That’s just the heart and soul of our concessionaires,” he said.
Additionally, a NASCAR race scheduled to take place on March 22 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway has been postponed.
“As we move forward together during this time, we will continue to monitor what the World Health Organization has determined is a global pandemic,” the release read.
Gimenez said he will decide the fate of future indoor events planned for more than 250 people based on federal and state health officials’ guidance.
The American Cancer Society has cancelled all upcoming “Relay in the Park” events.
The Miami Beach Pride Parade in April will be postponed, and on Thursday afternoon, the Miami Film Festival announced the remaining days will be cancelled.
Doctors recommend avoiding large crowds.
“It’s probably best to avoid groups of over 10 or 20 people in a confined area,” said Dr. Joshua Lenchus from Broward Health Medical Center.
Doctors also suggest keeping a safe distance from others in public, at least about six feet away. That’s about two to three arm’s lengths from one another.
“This virus has a very short span around the person, and that’s why we’re seeing cancellations of things like large group gatherings in confined circles,” said Lenchus, “so staying away from somebody 10 feet or 20 feet, or across the hall, you should have a much less chance of catching the coronavirus.”
Thursday night, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced their Miami One Walk has shifted into a virtual walk on Saturday. For more information, click here.
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