Miami Area Hotels To Shut Down Over Coronavirus

MIAMI BEACH, FL — All hotels and short-term rental properties n the city of Miami Beach have been ordered to shut down no later than 11:59 p.m. Monday in a further attempt to stem the community spread of the new coronavirus in Miami-Dade County.

"Our hotels have always been the lifeblood of our economy, so shuttering them is not something to do impulsively," explained Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. "But right now, as painful as it may be, the reality is we just cannot be a tourist destination.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez who is in self-quarantine, said he plans to issue a similar order for all of the county though it was not immediately clear if his order would take effect at the same time as the Miami Beach order.

"We must not rule out any measures that will stem the spread of COVID-19 and protect our residents," Gimenez said. He was exposed to the virus when he spent time with the president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, and Fabio Wajngarten, the Brazilian president's press secretary. Wajngarten later tested positive for the illness.

"I am ordering the closure of all hotels, commercial lodging establishments and short-term rentals in Miami-Dade County and fully support the decision by Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and City Manager Jimmy Morales to close hotels and all other commercial lodging establishments on Miami Beach," Gimenez said in a statement.

Miami Beach has also ordered a general curfew in the city to from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. effective 12 a.m. Tuesday.

Officials said all marinas, boat launches, docking, fueling, marine supply and other marina services will only be open from 7 a.m. to sunset. The Purdy boat ramp at Maurice Gibb Park will be closed.

Click here to read the complete emergency declaration from the city of Miami Beach.

Businesses and individuals who violate the measures may face criminal penalties, according to city officials.