Starting tomorrow morning, Coral Gables will be enforcing a new emergency order intended to eliminate the spread of COVID-19. Facemasks and face coverings will be required indoors and outdoors where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. There are some exceptions such as children under the age of two, people who have trouble breathing due to chronic pre-existing conditions or people engaged in strenuous physical activity (including walking for exercise, running, jogging or bicycling). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Facemasks significantly reduce the spread of the virus. People who live, work and visit Coral Gables must adhere to this order. Returning to normal will depend on the collaboration of all. 

Seniors, as well as those who have serious underlying medical conditions, might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. So, do your part and let’s take care of each other, especially our seniors and vulnerable population in our community.  

It’s time to enjoy the summer at your favorite local historic pool. The Venetian Pool, located at 2701 DeSoto Boulevard, will reopen its doors beginning this Friday, June 26. Tickets will not be sold at the door and can only be purchased in advance online at www.playgables.com. Please note there is a limited capacity as part of the pool’s reopening plan. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Children must be a minimum of 3 years of age and 38 inches tall to enter. Swimmers must follow all health and safety guidelines. For information contact 305-460-5306 or visit www.venetianpool.com.

Coral Gables City Hall and other municipal administrative offices, including the Passport Acceptance Facility, will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. 

The following city services and facilities will remain in operation:

The City of Coral Gables is always looking for opportunities to beautify and improve its residential neighborhoods. More than 200 trees were planted in the North Ponce neighborhood. As they grow, the new trees will provide shade and many environmental benefits to our residents.

As we continue to take precautions to keep safe from the coronavirus, it is also important to stay prepared for other potential crises. Coral Gables residents who require evacuation assistance during a hurricane need to register in advance with Miami-Dade County’s Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program. This program is for those living alone and dealing with functional or access needs that complicate evacuating on their own due to medical or specialized transportation needs. Don’t delay, register now online at miamidade.gov/hurricane or by calling 311. Don’t let COVID stop your hurricane evacuation plans. 

To slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, state public health professionals are calling Floridians who may have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunately, scammers are mimicking these calls in order to steal personal information. Please stay alert for signs that a call from someone claiming to be a contact tracer is a scam. Hang up the phone if you think the call is suspicious, especially if they request a Social Security number, bank account information or some type of payment at any point during the call.