MIAMI (WSVN) - City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced that the city is not going into the next phase of reopening due to major concerns with COVID-19.
Suarez made the announcement Monday in a press conference with Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
New data shows a disturbing trend in COVID-19 cases across the state and here in South Florida.
Suarez said, “We’re going to be put in a situation where we’re going to have to make tough choices and that’s not where we want to be … Now is not a time to let your guard down.”
Gelber said, “The all clear sign has not been given simply because we’re reopening.”
Less than a week after Miami-Dade welcomed visitors back to beaches, officials are now sounding the alarm about a concerning rise in coronavirus cases.
As of Tuesday, there are more than 80,000 cases in Florida, with an all-time record high of 2,783 new cases since Monday’s update.
As many as 544 new cases were reported in Miami-Dade and more than 412 new cases in Broward.
Tuesday marked 14 consecutive days with more than 1,000 new cases.
Suarez said, “There are major concerns, one is we will not be going into phase three.”
With the concerning climb, officials said South Florida will have to wait a little longer for the next phase of reopening.
That means there’s no set date for when bars and night clubs will be allowed to reopen with restrictions or large scale events.
Gelber said, “Although we’re loosening the economy, which we must, we have to do it responsibly. We have to do it cautiously, and we have to follow these guidelines.”
On Monday, boat ramps reopened in Miami and movie theaters in Broward were allowed to get back to business with limited seating.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said, “At this point in time we do not see any kind of big spike, what we do see is more people working and doing the things that they want to do like going to the gym or going out to the park or the beach. We need everyone to take personal responsibility, follow the rules. That’s the best way to keep us on track.”
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