MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - The coronavirus pandemic has brought everyday life to a standstill across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as “safer at home” orders, curfews and other measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 have led to empty landmarks and streets.
Ocean Drive remained picturesque on a sunny Monday afternoon, but there was almost nobody in sight along the famed street.
An eerie silence overtook the once thriving tourist destination, as 7News cameras captured stacked chairs outside restaurants, parked bicycles and caution tape. The only noise that stood out was the sound of sprinklers.
An aerial view of the beach showed white sands and turquoise water, but no sunbathers in sight.
On Lincoln Road, the only shopping currently allowed is window shopping, but there was almost nobody around.
7News’ DroneCam showed the Hollywood Boardwalk, usually filled with joggers and cyclists, completely deserted, Monday afternoon.
In downtown Miami, tables at Bayside Marketplace remained empty.
Traffic in nearby Brickell was light, as a bicyclist was seen wearing a face mask while making his way down a street.
It was a similar scene at Domino Park in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. A sign read it is “closed until further notice.”
Just north of there, in Wynwood, an automated sign at a bus stop read, “Stay home — save lives.”
In downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard was a shell of its former self, but there were some people riding their bicycles.
The music has temporarily stopped at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino off U.S. 441 in Hollywood.
While the beaches and many retail stores remained off limits, restaurant kitchens were open for takeout and delivery orders only.
At around 6:15 p.m., cameras captured several people walking down Ocean Drive, taking advantage of the pleasant weather. Some were wearing face masks, and most were observing social distancing.
“It’s a little depressing,” said a passer-by.
At PortMiami, several cruise ships were docked, and they’re not setting sail again for some time.
More than four hours later, just over an hour before curfew was set to begin in Miami Beach, the intersection of Ocean Drive and Fifth Street was completely empty.
Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.