Do I need to wear a mask at Miami-Dade, Broward parks? What if I’m exercising?
People are taking advantage of South Florida’s open parks across Miami-Dade and Broward after weeks of being locked inside their homes during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown. Some are jogging, riding bikes or walking with masks or face coverings.
It’s part of a new set of county rules that went into effect with the reopening of select parks and recreational facilities early Wednesday.
Here’s what to know about the counties’ rules for masks and social distancing:
Do I need to wear a mask at the park? What if I’m exercising, practicing basketball, soccer or another sport?
Miami-Dade County is requiring park visitors to wear a face covering — either a mask or fabric that covers mouth and nose — at all times. In Broward, you must have a mask or face covering on you but you only need to wear it if you are within six feet of another person.
There are some other exceptions:
▪ Children under 2 and people who have trouble breathing because of a chronic pre-existing health condition do not need to wear a mask if they are at a Miami-Dade or Broward County park.
▪ People who are engaged in strenuous exercise, such as playing basketball, also do not need to wear a mask in Miami-Dade. But they still need to follow social distancing requirements and other new rules.
Do I need to stay six feet away from my family, friends at Miami-Dade, Broward parks?
Everyone is required to follow CDC social distancing guidelines at Miami-Dade and Broward County parks. This means you need to stay at least six feet away from others at all times.
Miami-Dade County’s order does make an exception for families who live together. This includes spouses, domestic partners, parents, stepparents, legal guardians, children and stepchildren.
Broward County’s orders did not specify if the social distancing rule would apply to families.
A county spokesman said in an email to the Miami Herald that “it’s hard to enforce social distancing within families, especially those with young children, or young couples walking together” but that the staff and police will be monitoring activities and will remind visitors, if they need to, about wearing masks or face coverings.
For a full list of the new rules regulating Miami-Dade parks, marinas, golf courses and other recreational facilities, visit https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article242337851.html
For a full list of parks that are open and closed in Broward County, along with a list of amenities and activities that are still suspended, visit https://www.broward.org/coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx
