Miami-Dade Mayor Reimposes Curfew Amid Coronavirus

MIAMI, FL — Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced he has reimposed a countywide curfew order to help "tamp down" the spike in coronavirus cases.

"Starting Friday, July 3, 2020, Miami-Dade County will have a 10 p.m. countywide curfew until 6 a.m. daily," said Gimenez, who also closed beaches for the holiday weekend and imposed a mandatory mask order for residents and visitors. "It will take effect until further notice."

The city of Miami Beach imposed a similar curfew order on Wednesday but that order will not be superseded by the county order, which is more stringent.

"Essential workers, among them first responders, hospital workers, food delivery services and media will be exempted from the curfew," Gimenez said. "This is one of various actions I’m pursuing to tamp down this spike of COVID-19 and protect our residents."

The mayor said he is also rolling back the reopening of entertainment facilities, such as movie theaters, arcades, casinos, adult entertainment, concert houses, bowling alleys and other establishments that have recently had plans approved by the county.

"People going to restaurants will also have to keep their masks on while seated at their table — removing the mask only to eat and drink," Gimenez said. "If you are waiting for your meal at a restaurant table, keep your mask on while having a conversation with those around you."

He said hospitals are experiencing staffing shortages but there are still sufficient hospital beds to meet current demand.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber told his residents officials are running out of additional measures to try.

“The numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction,” Gelber said. “The number of people in intensive care is increasing as are the number on ventilators. There’s simply too much virus spreading in our community.”

Gimenez said young people and their parents are not taking social distancing and mask measures seriously enough.

"The death of an 11-year-old boy, reported today by the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, should send a signal to all of our community that this virus can attack anyone without mercy," Gimenez said Thursday night.

"We can only tamp down the virus if everyone takes personal responsibility and follows the rules," he said. "That means practicing social distancing, staying away from crowds and wearing masks everywhere you go in public, whether inside or outdoors."