Wednesday, March 18, 2020
The City understands how difficult it can be to keep up with the latest details as current circumstances are changing quickly. We can also appreciate that you might have a lot of questions. To try and assist with this, we have created a list of some frequently asked questions and answers for you. Do you still have further questions? For City of Miami Beach specific questions, please call our city hotline at 305.604.CITY (2489), open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Although the Customer Service Center will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., we encourage you to use our online   Customer Service Center  if possible.

Due to the fluid nature of this State of Emergency, the city has amended its emergency measures on several occasions since March 12, 2020, with the most recent measures issued on March 17, 2020. A brief summary of the latest changes is below for your convenience. However, the City recommends that you review the full text of the latest version of the Emergency Order, a link to which is available here , to ensure you have the best available information, and are kept up to date at all times during this emergency. For additional information on the city’s efforts, including all emergency measures being enforced, please visit   www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus .

Summary of changes, dated March 18, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.  
 
  • Extend the Emergency Order until March 26, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. 
  • Clarify that City Parks and Recreation pool facilities, in additional to Park buildings and indoor facilities, are CLOSED. All City Parks otherwise remain open for outdoor uses only.  
  • Prohibit gatherings of ten persons or more within City’s beachwalks (in addition to the existing prohibition on such gatherings on City’s beaches).    
  • Require the closure of all massage therapy centers and spas (including massage therapy centers or spas operating within hotels). In addition, no establishment shall provide massage therapy services, except hospitals or medical service providers.    
  • Clarify the closure of gymnasiums and fitness centers, consistent with Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 03-20. 
Message from Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber

COVID-19 is a serious public health challenge, and Miami Beach is responding in kind. Watch the message from Mayor Dan Gelber on the city's response to this virus.
State of Florida
The Governor of the State of Florida issued an Executive Order yesterday, setting state-wide minimum standards with respect to the operation of bars, nightclubs and restaurants, effective at 5 p.m. yesterday. A link to the Governor’s Executive Order is included here . Notwithstanding the Governor’s Order, city’s establishments must also fully comply with the measures issued by the City of Miami Beach, commencing at 12:01 a.m on March 18, 2020. 

Citi Bike
Per Miami-Dade County Order , Citi Bike has seized operations of bicycle sharing services citywide until further notice.

DCF Services
To apply for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (TANF) or Medicaid, individuals should go to  www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ . Clients logging in to the ACCESS Self-Service Portal should also go to  www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ . Customers are required to complete an interview to receive benefits. Customers should call 850.300.4323 (TTY 1.800.955.8771) to complete an interview telephonically. Customers can order an EBT card, get information about EBT transactions, or report an EBT card as lost or stolen at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/  or by calling 1.888.356.3281.

Educational Resources
As children are adjusting to online learning while at home, the city is providing a list of resources that might be helpful. Click here for a list of links to different sites that can provide additional education to your children.

Virtual Cultural Offerings
The Rhythm Foundation will be broadcasting a live stream performance of the band Afrobeta in a closed set from the North Beach Bandshell in place of their previously scheduled public performance tomorrow, March 19 at 8 p.m.

Catch the performance via a live stream from Facebook , offered free of charge for the public to enjoy from the safety of their couch, or better yet, make it a dance party in your living room!

Resident Parking Rate Registration: COVID-19 Temporary Relief
We understand the challenges brought on by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused some level of inconvenience for us all. In order to alleviate some of those challenges, residents may park and will be honored in all municipal parking lots.

For more detailed information related to the Miami Beach Resident Parking Rate Program, please  click here.

Impacted Meetings/Events
For a full list of impacted meetings and events, additional information on summer camps and more, please visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus .
The City of Miami Beach remains committed to ensuring the safety and public health of our residents, visitors and local businesses. As the information is changing rapidly pertaining to COVID-19, the administration is conducting daily interdepartmental calls to monitor the progression of novel coronavirus COVID-19 to ensure that we stay informed and prepared to respond if needed. We are also closely following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) as well as the School Board. 
 
Below is an ongoing summary of updates from the City of Miami Beach.

Sanitary Measures
We are continuing to ensure our spaces, including city facilities and beachfront restrooms are being thoroughly cleaned. This includes the daily effort of wiping down every touch surface such as door handles, elevator push buttons, handrails and recreation equipment. Cleaning contractors are also providing additional training to staff to ensure proper cleaning techniques are utilized.

Miami Beach Trolley
In addition to standard daily cleaning practices, the City of Miami Beach and its trolley operator, Limousines of South Florida (LSF), have partnered in increasing the frequency of cleaning to help protect passengers from the spread of coronavirus.

In particular, “high touch” areas, including buttons, handholds, pull cords, and rails are being cleaned more frequently. Moreover, every Miami Beach trolley vehicle is being deep-cleaned after every other route.
  • Based on availability, trolleys may be equipped with hand sanitizing gel or wipes.
  • When there is an unsanitary condition reported, it is standard practice for LSF to take the vehicle out of service immediately for cleaning and disinfecting.

Seniors are encouraged to limit their trolley usage to adhere to the CDC's recommendations to practice social distancing.

Recreational Facilities
All recreation center and programs are closed through Sunday, March 29, 2020. For detailed information regarding facilities and summer camp, visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage and view the tab pertaining to Parks & Rec: Programs and Class Updates.
 
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305.673.7730.

Impacted City Services
The Building Department's North Beach office, located at 962 Normandy Drive, will be closed to the public until further notice. Customers may still visit the main office located at City Hall.  Services are being performed, however slightly modified. Drop-off for plans will be located on the of First Floor of City Hall only. We encourage you to use any online services or email your questions to [email protected]

Code Compliance walk-ins are closed. Residents or businesses that need assistance should call Code Compliance at 305.673.7555.

Business Assistance & Resources
View some helpful tools and resources for businesses expected to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Including Governor DeSantis Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program. Click here to read the latest e-blast to the business community.

Miami-Dade County Special Transportation Service (STS)
For elderly and those with special needs, the County offers an alternative mode of transportation that offers door-to-door transportation service from the main entrance of pick-up to the main entrance of drop-off locations. Please note that you MUST be eligible for these services in order to utilize them.

The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be used throughout Miami-Dade County ONLY for those that are eligible. Visit the County's website and learn more about the eligibility requirements.

Seniors and Special Needs Community
All senior centers are closed effective Monday, March 16 . Any seniors that are currently registered in a senior meals program will be served meals by their respective providers based on their specific plans. View additional information under the Senior/Special Needs Update tab on our COVID-19 webpage .

Prevention Starts With You
The CDC urges everyone to do their part to help during this emerging public health threat, this includes:
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
  • Take personal responsibility. If you are sick with a fever, cough or viral symptoms, please stay away from others, including the work environment and crowded area

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease such as:

 
During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home  as much as possible. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, you can learn more about prevention and treatment by visiting the CDC website .

Stay Informed
For updated information on the city’s efforts, please visit: www.MiamiBeachFl.gov/coronavirus . We will also be posting updated messages via email , Nextdoor , Facebook or Twitter.
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