NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Miami-Dade and Broward Mayors join Governor to talk Phase One Opening

Both Counties will open on May 18
wptv-gov-desantis-coronavirus-5-5-20-1.jpg
Posted at 1:24 PM, May 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-15 14:29:59-04

Cheers erupted from onlookers as Governor Ron DeSantis explained that he had signed an order allowing Miami-Dade and Broward County to officially enter phase 1 of reopening.

DeSantis cited a decrease in new cases, patients on ventilators, and patients in hospitals, as the reasoning behind allowing the counties to reopen, among other things.

"South east Florida, even though they had to face the most significant epidemic in the state of Florida, they flattened the curve," DeSantis said.

Although plans for the counties differ slightly, they are collaborating and coordinating on issues that will effect both counties.

Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez said that starting on May 18 several nonessential businesses will begin to open. The county's guide to a "New Normal" has specific guidelines regarding social distancing and the continuation of wearing masks inside these businesses.

Restaurants, warehouses, manufacturing and office buildings and other small business will open with specific social distancing guidelines.

Spas, bars, gyms, beaches, hotels, tattoo shops, movie theaters, pools and massage parlors, will remain closed.

The mayor said in a later press conference that these are the minimum requirements and cities can create their own stricter guidelines if they choose to.

Retail stores will require masks and social distancing. Any clothes that are tried on and not purchased will be disinfected and set to the side until the next day.

On Monday, hair salons and barber shops will be open county-wide. They will be full service but will also be appointment only and masks will be required by staff and guests.

"Everyone must assume that they are asymptomatic carriers of the virus," Gimenez said.

Dale Holnes, Broward County mayor, said that Broward county will also be opening on the 18. Broward will allow homeowner associations to open their gyms if they'd like.

Beaches in Broward will also stay closed in order to avoid crowding in one area. The counties will continue to work together to ensure the cases of COVID-19 stay low.

"We can't take our eye off the ball, the virus is still here," DeSantis said.