MIAMI (WSVN) - Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has signed an executive order issuing more closures amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The five-page emergency order requires all non-essential businesses in the county to shut their doors.
“I know that it must be frustrating that every day we have new closures, but it is necessary,” said Gimenez.
The mayor also announced he has ordered all parks and beaches in the county to close starting 9 a.m. Thursday.
Important message from @mayorgimenez about #COVID19 today, March 19. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/BUEZ1QiRkN
— Miami-Dade County (@MiamiDadeCounty) March 19, 2020
Gimenez announced the requirements in a video message. He ordered the closing of all non-essential retail and commercial establishments at 9 p.m. Among these include:
- casinos
- shops
- barber shops and beauty salons
- spas
- nail studios
- sporting good stores
- bookstores
- jewelry stores
- malls
- boutiques
- toy stores
- indoor amusement parks
- trampoline parks
- driving ranges
- social clubs
- tennis clubs
- golf courses
- fishing charters
- music stores
- arts and crafts stores
- pawn shops
- zoos
These closures are in addition to those announced on March 17.
7News cameras captured barbers at Sabal Palm in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood in what turned out to be their last day of business for the foreseeable future.
“We have to close tomorrow,” said an employee at the barber shop.
Just south of Little Haiti, the manager of Upper Buena Vista, a complex comprised of separately owned boutiques, said she is disheartened by the new rules.
“It feels terrible, but the whole thing feels terrible,” said Michelle Aviv.
Thursday night, Gimenez issued an addendum to the executive order stating that hotels, student housing, automobile dealerships, marinas and other services can remain open at this time.
Gimenez said the closures are based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Those recommendations become more stringent as the number of COVID-19 cases grows,” he said.
The mayor said these steps are necessary to protect the safety of the county’s residents, especially the most vulnerable.
“The most susceptible to serious complications from this virus remain those who are over 60 years old and anyone with upper respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer or auto-immune conditions,” he said.
Gimenez added that gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores will remain open. Restaurant kitchens will also remain open for pickup and delivery.
Doctors offices, banks, child care facilities and adult day care facilities will also remain open but with some restrictions.
“No more than 10 children and teachers in one group. Each group must be in a separate room. Groups must not mix with one another,” said Gimenez.
Construction sites, hardware stores, landscaping and pool services, laundromats, mail and shipping services, and pet supply stores will remain open, as well as taxi and transportation providers.
Gimenez stressed patience and cooperation during the uncertain times ahead.
“I want to thank all our residents for doing all they can to help their elderly neighbors who may need a grocery run or a trip to the doctor,” he said. “It’s during difficult times that our community shines. I realize that all these orders can overwhelm people, but they are necessary.”
Aviv, meanwhile, said she isn’t sure what to make of her tenants soon being unable to make any money to pay their rent.
“It’s so unbelievable, because nobody knows what’s going to happen,” she said.
Thursday evening, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he has been in touch with county leaders in Broward and Palm Beach about similar closures.
For a full list of what’s open and closed in the county, click here.
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