MIAMI (WSVN) – Miami-Dade County will close all county beaches and will not allow gatherings of 50 or more people for the July 4 weekend amid a surge in coronavirus cases across the state.
Mayor Carlos Giménez said in a statement that he will sign an emergency order on Saturday that will close the county’s beaches from Friday, July 3 to Tuesday, July 7.
“As we continue to see more positive COVID-19 results among young adults and the increase in hospitalizations, I have decided that the only prudent way to stop this recent increase is to crack down on recreational activities that elevate our community. overall risk, “Giménez said in a statement.
The Florida Department of Health reported nearly 9,000 cases of COVID-19 Friday across the state. Several South Florida hospitals also reported that less than 7% of their ICU beds were available on Friday.
“I have been seeing too many companies and people ignoring these life-saving rules,” said Giménez. “If people are not going to be responsible and protect themselves and others from this pandemic, then the government is forced to step in and restore common sense to save lives.”
Along with the closure of the beaches, Giménez said he will ban any gathering of more than 50 people, including parades, from July 3 to 7, citing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.
Public display of fireworks will not be allowed in all county parks and beaches, and fireworks must be viewed from a person’s home or parked car, Giménez added.
The order’s announcement comes the same day the fireworks at Bayfront Park, the largest in South Florida, were canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
Fireworks shows in Fort Lauderdale will continue starting Friday night, but with some changes. The celebrations will take place in four different areas, so that people can enjoy the show from home. Fort Lauderdale show locations will not be open to pedestrians or vehicle spectators.
“After all the success we’ve had in reducing the COVID-19 curve, we can’t back down and overload our hospitals, putting our doctors and nurses at greater risk with more cases in the emergency room,” said Giménez.
The shutdown can be extended if conditions don’t improve and people don’t follow the county’s “New Normal” rules, according to Giménez.
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