MIAMI-DADE COUNTY EMERGENCY ORDER 19-20

WHEREAS, section 252.38(3)(a), Florida Statutes, gives political subdivisions the authority to declare and enact a State of Local Emergency for a period of up to seven days, thereby waiving the procedures and formalities otherwise required of the political subdivision by law; and

WHEREAS, on March 1, 2020, the Governor of Florida issued Executive Order Number 20-51, directing the State Health Officer and Surgeon General to declare a Public Health Emergency due to the discovery of COVID-19/novel Coronavirus in Florida; and

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order Number 20-52, declaring a State of Emergency for the State of Florida related to COVID-19/novel Coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, the County Mayor declared a State of Emergency for all of Miami-Dade County; and

WHEREAS, on March 30, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order Number 20-89, restricting the operations of non-essential businesses in certain South Florida counties and requires such establishments to take reasonable actions to comply with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on social distancing; and

WHEREAS, on April 3, 2020, the CDC recommended that persons wear masks, including cloth masks or other facial coverings, while in public to help control the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19/novel Coronavirus poses a health risk to Miami-Dade County residents, particularly elderly residents and those who are immunosuppressed or otherwise have high-risk medical conditions,

THEREFORE, as County Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I hereby order:

1. All persons outside their homes are encouraged to wear a cloth facial covering consistent with the current CDC guidelines, including cloth masks. Persons choosing to use masks are encouraged to review and comply with the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines on personal protective equipment.  Persons should not utilize N95 rated masks, as those are critical supplies for health care workers, police, fire, emergency management, or other persons engaged in life/safety activities.
2. The provisions of this order shall serve as minimum standards. Municipalities may impose more stringent standards within their jurisdictions, as permitted by law.
3. This order shall be effective immediately.
4. This order shall expire upon the expiration of the existing Miami-Dade County State of Local Emergency, except that if such State of Local Emergency is extended, this order shall also be deemed to extend for the duration of such extension. This order may be cancelled earlier by action of the County Mayor.
5. This order shall be provided to all appropriate media consistent with the requirements of section 8B-7(2)(n) of the Code of Miami-Dade County.