You'll Have To Mask Up As Soon As You Step Outside In These South Florida Counties
The Sunshine State's two largest counties are determined not to become hotspots. Mask requirement in Miami-Dade and Broward counties is in effect and would be required at all times. The move comes amid a continual spike in COVID-19 cases.
"I have decided to issue an emergency order extending the requirement to wear masks to all public spaces inside and outdoors throughout Miami-Dade County as we work to tamp down new COVID-19 cases," Mayor Carlos Gimenez tweeted out.
Instead of taking just a one-county approach, Mayor Gimenez reached out to neighboring Broward County to take a regional approach to help stop the spread within the region.
"After speaking with Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry, we agreed that a blanket facial coverings order is needed at this time," Gimenez said in a press release.
Miami-Dade has long had a face mask order in effect, but it only pertained to being indoors. The new amended order will now require those coverings to be worn as soon as you step outside the door.
There will be penalties established with this ordinance. According to the county press release, failure to comply with the order could result in a fine up to $500 and/or up to 180 days in jail. The order is just one in the many steps the two counties are taking to mitigate the novel coronavirus.
Both Miami-Dade and Broward moved to close their beaches during the 4th of July holiday to keep crowds at bay. Also, Mayor Gimenez has instituted a curfew within the county for establishments that offer overnight on-site dining.
The move comes as South Florida, along with the rest of the state, has been dealing with a spike of novel coronavirus cases that is threatening to make Florida a hotspot for infections. The state posted record highs in late June, including more than 9,000 in just one day.
The number of positive cases has become alarming for local officials from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, where they have also instituted their own face-covering mandates.