South Florida COVID-19 Update (Last Updated: 3/23/2020)
(Last Updated 10:39 AM 3/23/2020):
BREAKING:
Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business 9 PM Thursday. (3/20/2020)
All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)
Continue to check back for updates to below as we continue to track COVID-19 across South Florida:
Unfortunately there is just no avoiding it, COVID-19, the deadly strain of Coronavirus is here in Miami and spreading. Across the United States, social distancing has become a top priority in the government’s efforts to slow down the spread of the virus. COVID-19 spreads through droplets that can extend out six feet from the body via cough or sneeze. The White House has advised the public to avoid gathering in groups of more than ten people and has asked municipalities where the virus has spread to close public places such as bars and restaurants.
The Cities of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale addressed the public regarding new measures taken due to large and rowdy spring break crowds and ongoing concerns over COVID-19 outbreak. Miami Beach is closing beaches, limiting hours at restaurants and has enforced a curfew that will be going into effect in Miami Beach's entertainment district starting at 10 p.m.
“It simply can’t be business as usual in our City,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “COVID-19 is a threat as much here as anywhere. We simply cannot endure these kinds of gatherings and crowds. Our measures are intended to send a clear message that Spring Break is cancelled and that everyone, even young people home from school, need to embrace these health and safety concerns. We are proud of our hospitality industry, and concerned with the toll it will have on our businesses and workers but we cannot elevate those concerns above very real health risks.”
“I want to be clear, this isn’t an overreaction, but a way to stop further cases of COVID-19 in our community,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantails said. “We must all do our part to save the lives of our residents, visitors and first responders.”
Remember, the majority of infections are mild. 81% will experience flu-like symptoms, 14% will experience severe symptoms and only 5% will need intensive care. The mortality rate is below 3%. The most important thing you can do is think about the others that you may affect if you become a carrier. If you suspect you have been exposed to someone with the virus or are showing symptoms, then you should self-quarantine yourself immediately for 14 days. You should limit your exposure to the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. Governor Ron DeSantis previously acknowledged that Florida is experiencing "community spread," so taking the time to limit your exposure to others will help keep you healthy, others healthy and curb the nations growing public health crisis.
"It is a very uncertain time, especially in the real estate world. You having so many moving parts, whether it is lost time and rising construction costs in development or commission based pay many that realtors rely on getting held-up as society grinds to a halt," said Demetri Demascus, Editor of PROFILEmiami and a local real estate investor, developer and broker. "Everything is a chain reaction. If tenants cannot pay their rent, will a landlord be able to pay their employees or their own bills? We have to be extremely cautious about how we proceed across all aspects of life and business right now.”
While many businesses with lots of interaction between the staff and customers have had to shutter for the time being in order to protect customers and employees, in other cases, local business’ have been taking measures to keep business as usual while also keeping their office and employees safe, sanitary and healthy.
"We are monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely, and will continue to do so as the situation evolves. In the meantime, we have asked our team to put their health and safety first as not only will this help keep our team safe, but our families as well. We have also asked for all non-essential travel plans to be delayed, all team-members to practice good hygiene, stay home if they are sick and we have increased sanitization frequency of our office," said Jacques Bessoudo, Managing Partner of Galium Capital, a Miami-based Private Equity group focused on investing in commercial real estate.
Stats:
Number of Cases in Florida: 830+ (3/23/2020)
Fatalities in Florida: 13+ (3/23/2020)
Number of Global Cases: 351,000+ (3/23/2020)
Global Fatalities: 15,321+ (3/23/2020)
Number of U.S. Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)
Fatalities in the U.S.: 458+ (3/23/2020)
Miami-Dade County:
Miami-Dade County # Cases: 177+ (3/23/2020)
BREAKING: Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business (3/20/2020)
CONFIRMED CASES IN BRISTOL TOWER BRICKELL & SOHO BEACH HOUSE (3/19/2020)
Officials have ordered the closure of all restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, clubs, gyms, arcades, bowling alleys, etc. which will go into effect 11 PM Tuesday. All grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out and delivery services will remain open at this time (3/17/2020)
All bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days.
Restaurants will only be able to operate at half capacity.
Exceptions granted if they have a capacity of 10 people or less.
Mayor Carlos Jimenez signed the emergency order, but remains in self-quarantine after being exposed to a Brazilian government official who tested positive following a visit to South Florida.
Miami-Dade Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Miami-Dade Public Schools have closed this week and next. (3/16/2020)
Key Biscayne and North Miami Beach have implemented curfew between 10 PM and 5 AM (3/19/2020)
Officials have closed the beach from 5th to 15th Street, including Lummus Park.
All city parking garages are closed to non-residents.
In addition, all non-essential retail stores will be required to close at 10 p.m. daily. (3/16/2020)
Businesses excluded from this directive include: Pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations and automotive supply and repair centers.
An entertainment district curfew will go into effect at 11 p.m.
All restaurants are asked to keep occupancy at 50% or less, and have under 250 people in each establishment at any given time.
Ultra Music Festival has been cancelled.
Miami Music Week has been cancelled.
ArtScape Concert has been cancelled.
The Miami Open Tennis Tournament has been cancelled.
University of Miami & FIU have moved classes online until the end of the spring semester. (3/20/2020)
University of Miami Spring Commencement postponed until December. (3/20/2020)
The Hardrock Seminole Hotel & Casino has suspended entertainment operations.
Calle Ocho Festival has been cancelled.
Mayor Francis Suarez has confirmed that he has COVID-19.
Broward County:
Broward County # Cases: 180+ (3/23/2020)
Broward County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Officials have closed the beach from Harbor Beach to Oakland Park Boulevard.
Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m.
Restaurants and bars are asked to operate at 50% capacity and have no more than 250 people at any time.
The Tortuga Music Festival, which was set to run from April 17-19, has been postponed.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is closed until further notice.
The listed measures will remain in effect until April 12.
Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County # Cases: 59+ (3/23/2020)
Town of Palm Beach implements curfew until further notice from 9 P.M. - 6 A.M. (3/18/2020)
Palm Beach County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Beaches will be closed on Tuesday 3/17/2020
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities are closed to visitors.
Drive-through testing underway at FoundCare (2330 S. Congress Ave, West Palm Beach - call 561-967-0365 to see if you qualify and for appointments)
National:
United States of America # Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)
United States of America Fatalities: 458+ (3/23/2020)
Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15 (3/20/2020)
BREAKING: The Federal Government has announced it will issue stimulus checks to qualified families and individuals.
$1,200 Per Adult Making Under $99,000 or $2,400 for Families Who File Jointly (Less Than $1,200 For Those Making More Than $75,000)
$500 Per Child
BREAKING: All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)
Foreclosures and HUD evictions have been halted for 60 days.
CDC recommends ban on events of 50+ people.
The Players Championship was cancelled & PGA Tour is suspended.
NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have suspended their seasons.
All ski resorts have closed.
Health & Safety Tips:
Social Distancing: Keep a Six Foot Distance From Others
Try to Stay Home as Much as Possible
Postpone or Cancel Meetings
Wash Hands Frequently for 30 Seconds and Use Hand Sanitizer
Support Local Businesses: Buy Gift Cards to Use for Later
Wipe Down Gym Equipment Before & After Use
Take Vitamin C and Other Immune Boosters
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands after.
Do Not Stock Up On Toilet Paper. It is a domestically manufactured good.
Only Wear a Mask If You Are Infected.