Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Today, the City of Miami Beach has revised its  Emergency Order  to urge retirement communities and independent living facilities (including residential buildings that are age-restricted and/or contain a majority of residents who are over the age of 55 and are fully or partially retired), to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Guidance  on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their buildings.

Additionally, effective today, all employees and customers of grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurant facilities must wear a form of covering over their nose and mouth at all times when inside these establishments. The same requirement applies to individuals providing delivery services.

Acceptable coverings may include a face mask, homemade mask or other cloth covering, such as a scarf, bandana or handkerchief, and should complement — not substitute for — social distancing practices. Medical and surgical face masks, such as “N95” masks, are in short supply and should be reserved for health care personnel and other first responders with the greatest need for such personal protective equipment.

As to all  other  essential retail and commercial establishments permitted to remain open, employees and customers are strongly encouraged to wear a form of covering over their nose and mouth. All establishments are strongly encouraged to implement policies for employees to use other personal protective equipment, such as gloves, subject to the availability of such items.

Read the   “Safer at Home” Emergency Order  for additional details.

Message from the Mayor
View today's message from Mayor Dan Gelber below. You can also read it in Spanish  here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Data
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has created an online portal to report their information pertaining to COVID-19 cases in Florida. Click here to view the FDOH's page with more information of their case breakdowns. Please note that per the FDOH website, data in this report is provisional and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts Around the Miami Beach Convention Center
Beginning today, April 7, Convention Center Drive from 17 Street to Dade Boulevard will close in preparation for an alternate care facility at the Miami Beach Convention Center. 18 Street and 19 Street will be partially closed towards Convention Center Drive.

Additionally, drivers on 18 Street will only be able to travel from Meridian Avenue to the garage, and there will be no right turn out of the garage to 18 Street. All of Pride Park will be fenced in during this time.

Spring EGGstravaganza
Every bunny knows that the Parks & Recreation Spring EGGstravaganza is the party of the year. This year, we’re bringing it to your front doorstep! Register today for delivery of some spring goodies for the kids. To register, send an email to [email protected] and include your full name, number of bags needed (1 per child) and complete address including any special instructions for entry to a building.
Economic Impact Payments
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Eligible individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 will automatically receive the full $1,200 payment

  • Eligible married couples filing a joint return with adjusted gross income up to $150,000 will automatically receive the full $2,400 payment

  • Parents also get $500 for each eligible child under 17 years old

Most taxpayers don't need to take any extra steps to receive a payment. The IRS will use information from a taxpayer's 2019 tax return if they've filed it, or their 2018 tax return, if they haven't

Learn more and stay updated by visiting www.IRS.gov/coronavirus

You can also find a section addressing common questions on tax filing and payment relief granted by the IRS here .

Unemployment Applications
Unemployment applications will be available for pick up at 26 Miami-Dade Public Libraries starting tomorrow, April 8. Once completed, applications can be dropped off back at the library book drop off where they will be sent overnight to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Both the Miami Beach Regional Library and North Shore Library will have unemployment applications.   View the full press release here.
 
In addition, Miami Beach's Resource Center and FedEx stores are printing and sending forms free of charge for those without printers. Residents with printers ca access the paper application here   and print from home.  

Pedestrian Safety
In response to COVID-19, our Transportation Department has collaborated with the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works to ensure that pedestrian crossing signals are activated automatically on all signalized intersections without the need to push the button. This will reduce the need of contact with the button, which is one more effort in countering the spread!
Mobile Testing Center
MedRite has launched a mobile testing center in Miami Beach. Pre-registration is required, please visit www.medriteurgentcare.com/covid/ to make your appointment.
Customer Service
Our city hotline at 305.604.CITY (2489) is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can also email your questions to [email protected] .
 Virtual Cultural Offerings
Feeling the cabin fever? Our cultural partners are busy coming up with creative ways to share their art and culture with you! Click here to view all there is to experience virtually in Miami Beach.
To help keep you informed on the latest details of this ever evolving COVID-19 pandemic , the city has created a dedicated, city-related coronavirus webpage. We encourage you to continuously visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus f or the most up-to-date information, including a list of frequently asked questions , important resources, impacts to city services and more.
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). 

Below is an ongoing summary of updates from the City of Miami Beach.

Miami Beach Resource Center
Many businesses and their employees have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. In order to help navigate through the wealth of resources available, the City of Miami Beach has launched a Resource Center to provide guidance through this challenging time.  

To request assistance, please email  [email protected]   with your contact information and needs. All inquiries will be responded to via phone or email by a Resource Agent.

Impacted City Services
All departments in City Hall are open virtually and telephonically. Effective, Monday, April 6, all city departments that had been public-facing, including the Finance Department, City Clerk Office and Public Works Department, will be closed until further notice. Visit the “ Other Impacted City Services   ” tab on the city’s COVID-19 webpage at    www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus    for information on how to reach each department.

Impacted Meetings/Events
For a full list of impacted meetings and events, please visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus .

COVID-19 Quarantine Response Team
In response to the Florida Governor’s Executive Orders (20-82 and 20-86) all persons entering the State of Florida from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana must isolate or quarantine for fourteen (14) days from the time of entry into the State of Florida. Should you have intimate knowledge of a person(s) who may be in violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders, you should notify the Miami Beach Police Department at 305.673.7901. The newly created team of Officers will respond at an appropriate time to remind, investigate and enforce the Governor’s executive orders.

Miami Beach Restaurants - Takeout and Delivery
The City of Miami Beach revised its Emergency Order — maintaining the general curfew throughout the city beginning at midnight each night, but now permitting restaurants to continue to operate their kitchens after midnight, for delivery services only .


Meals for Seniors
If you are a senior citizen 65 years or older and are having problems getting meals, please call Miami-Dade County’s 311 Call Center between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m . and you will be immediately patched in with their Emergency Operations Center to get you the meals or other services that you may need. If you are not a senior, we still encourage you to share this message with any senior you may know.

Miami-Dade County Public School Food Distribution
Miami-Dade Public Schools will be offering grab-and-go meals to those in need from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Miami Beach Senior High. Click here for more information and other school locations.

Bicycle Repair Stations
Did you know that the City of Miami Beach has free bicycle repair stations located throughout the city? These bicycle repair stations are context-sensitive stands that include all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs, and are designed to handle all types of bicycles. View a list of all bicycle repair locations throughout Miami Beach here .

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

Business Assistance & Resources
View some helpful tools and resources for businesses expected to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including information on Governor DeSantis' Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program and more on our dedicated business portal .

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 areas

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.