Following the massive spike in COVId-19 cases over the holiday weekend, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced he will be signing an emergency order issuing more closures across the county.
The mayor announced he will be signing an order closing restaurant dining rooms, ballrooms, banquet facilities, party venues, gyms and fitness centers, and short-term rentals. The order goes into effect on July 8th.
Restaurants, however, will still be allowed to operate for takeout and delivery services.
“I am signing an emergency order that will close restaurants (except for takeout and delivery services), along with ballrooms, banquet facilities, party venues, gyms and fitness centers, and short-term rentals,” Gimenez said in a statement Monday morning.
“These closings, among others that will be included in the order, will be effective Wednesday, July 8, 2020. We want to ensure that our hospitals continue to have the staffing necessary to save lives.”
Miami-Dade County reported a record 2,418 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday as the state set a new high with 11,458 new cases in a day. On Monday, 1,981 new cases and eight deaths were confirmed. The county has the most cases (48,992) and deaths (1,051) in Florida.
Along with the closures, Gimenez announced the reopening of Miami-Dade County beaches effective Tuesday. The mayor warned that if the health rules are not followed, he would be forced to shut them down again.
Miami-Dade County remains under a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.; essential workers are exempt from the order.
To view the order, click here.