Miami-Dade restaurants must close dining areas after midnight, mayor says
With the number of coronavirus cases surpassing 35,000 on Monday in Miami-Dade County on Monday, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced late Tuesday he would sign a measure that would close all on-site dining from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. daily at restaurants with seating for more than eight people.
The amendment to the county’s emergency order will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday and will continue indefinitely.
“We must take this action to tamp down Miami-Dade County’s recent rise in COVID-19 cases,” said Gimenez in a statement. “Too many people were crowding into restaurants late at night, turning these establishments into breeding grounds for this deadly virus.”
Restaurants and food establishments can still operate but only delivery and pick-up services. This affects eateries like fast-food chains, diners and restaurants.
On Tuesday, Florida’s Department of Health confirmed 6,093 additional cases of COVID-19, the state’s fourth-highest single-day number of cases, bringing the state’s total to 152,434 confirmed cases and 3,505 deaths. Miami-Dade County reported 1,598 new cases, raising its total to 36,820, the highest in the state.
The new measure follows other amendments and orders Gimenez put in place to restrict or close certain businesses or locations. He attributes much of the rising number of cases to people ages 18 to 34.
On Sunday, Gimenez signed another amendment that said no establishment can sell alcohol for on-site consumption between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. daily.
On Saturday, Gimenez signed an emergency order that will close all Miami-Dade beaches starting Friday, July 3, until July 7. The order also canceled any gathering, including parades, of more than 50 people.
Parks were also closed in all cities and unincorporated areas throughout the county for public viewing of fireworks.
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 11:46 PM.
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