MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Beaches and hotels across Miami-Dade are gearing up to reopen after being closed for weeks.
Rukiye Pir, a visitor, said, “We thought we could just go to the beach.”
Molly Ott, a Miami Beach resident, said, “We’re all trying to be responsible and insure that everybody is safe. But definitely myself and my friends are very much looking forward to getting back out on the beach.”
There will still be many restrictions on the beaches.
Jimmy Morales, the Miami Beach City Manager, said, “No use of exercise equipment or playgrounds, no dogs or pets on the beach. No fishing, except the designated areas, and the piers remain closed.”
You don’t need to wear a mask unless people in your group are not from the same household, but you must have one with you in order to use the bathrooms and at concession stands.
Some fear that the reopening could lead to a second wave of infections.
Ott said, “I hope everybody cooperates and follows the rules so it doesn’t get shut down right away like what happened in South Pointe Park.”
Officials said the beaches could be shut down for a few days if people don’t comply.
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said, “It’s not going to be easy, because we’re navigating huge amounts of people, and that’s always a difficult mix, but I have a lot of faith in our management.”
Pir said, “We live close and maybe we’ll come next week.”
The City of Miami Beach has released guidelines ahead of its beaches and hotels reopening next week:
Beaches
Starting Monday, the beach will be open to the public from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with rules in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Groups of 10 or more will be prohibited, and all beachgoers will be required to have a face mask readily available.
The masks must be worn in restrooms, at concessions and when social distancing at 6 feet is not possible.
Additionally, the city is allowing sunbathing, swimming, sitting on beach chairs and towels as long as they’re properly distanced from one another.
Group activities with two or more people, like volleyball, football, soccer and frisbee are prohibited.
More than 100 ambassadors and police officers will be making sure beachgoers are complying with the rules.
For more information on beaches, click here.
Hotels
Miami Beach hotels will also be allowed to reopen on Monday.
Face masks are required in common areas where social distancing can’t be achieved.
Hotels must place social distancing signs and sanitation stations around key entrances and public areas.
Valet parking will be prohibited where onsite parking is available. If it’s unavailable, valet service may operate with face masks and other safety rules in place.
For more information on hotels, click here.
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