The city has begun issuing fines and closing businesses that create a public health hazard by their lack of compliance with COVID-19 regulations. Over this past weekend, nine restaurants were required to close for 24 hours and prove the violations were addressed.
The Police Department and Code Enforcement will be closely monitoring activity each day. In the cases from this weekend, the business establishments made the necessary adjustments in having all staff members wearing facial covering and they had staff issuing facial mask to patrons upon entering. Tables and chairs were spaced to the required distances of six to eight feet, with lesser crowds.
The city is taking this action in light of the disturbing increase in the level of infection in our community following the reopening of many of our businesses and amenities. Unfortunately, too many people and establishments are not adhering to the rules that were put in place to protect public health.
Broward County requires that face coverings be worn and social distancing be observed in most public settings. These are critical measures to prevent the transmission of the virus as we try to return to our normal activities.
We particularly have received too many complaints about businesses along Las Olas Boulevard and the beach not following these common-sense regulations. There have been extremely large crowds with few people wearing masks.
Fort Lauderdale led the way in fighting COVID-19 in our initial moves to declare a state of emergency, close the beach and then shut bars, restaurants and nightclubs. As a result, the number of infections fell very low. Under 2 percent of tests came back positive the week of May 17.
This past week, however, the percentage of positive tests climbed to just over 8 percent. And, we have experienced a couple days recently of a record number of positive results.
Restarting our economy is important.
Unemployment in the county reached 16 percent in May, and I know many businesses are struggling and on the brink of closing for good. But we can only continue reopening if the virus is under control and kept to minimal levels as a cure or vaccine is sought.
Broward County is in charge of what can reopen and when that can occur, and they have stated that they will not move into Phase 2 until the virus is again under control. If they wanted to do so, county officials could even consider requiring businesses that have opened to close again.
Let’s not go down that road.
Please wear masks as required in public. Facial coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help keep you and those around you safe. The use of facial coverings may reduce transmission by more than 50 percent. Facial coverings should cover your
nose and your mouth.
Also, please maintain social distancing. Practice good hygiene like washing your hands regularly. Stay home if you are sick. And report suspected violations to us by calling 311.
Together, we can bring COVID-19 back under control and ensure our economy is restored.
Sincerely,
Dean
