Do I have to wear a face mask at the drive-thru and other questions amid new COVID rules
As Florida had its worst numbers to date with new coronavirus cases — more than 10,100 — South Florida mayors are issuing new emergency order requiring facial coverings be worn in most public places. That means outdoors in Miami-Dade where the infection rate is the highest in the state even when you are able to stay six feet away from someone else.
But what does this mean exactly in Miami-Dade, Broward and the Florida Keys?
Here are some answers.
Do I have to wear a mask outside?
Yes, you do. Miami-Dade’s new countywide mask requirement states that everyone must wear a mask or face covering (a fabric that covers your mouth and nose) at all times when out in public, regardless if you are inside a building or walking on the street.
Exceptions include:
▪ At or inside your home, car and truck.
▪ Inside your hotel, motel or Airbnb room. Remember, you will need to wear the mask everywhere else in the facility.
▪ At or inside any religious institution, without limitation.
▪ If you are eating, drinking, smoking. Remember, you need to put the mask on immediately after you’re finished. And starting on Friday, July 3, you must wear a mask while seated at a restaurant, according to an order Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez signed Thursday. You can remove the facial covering at your table to eat and drink and then it has to go back on.
▪ Children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing with a mask or face covering because of an existing health condition, and anyone hearing-impaired or is talking to someone who is hearing-impaired also do not need to wear a mask or face covering.
Reminder: Some cities may also have stricter restrictions in place.
To read the full list of Miami-Dade exceptions, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/emergency-orders/emergency-order-20-20-amendment-1.page.
In Broward County, everyone is required to wear a mask or face covering if they cannot stay at least 6 feet apart from others. There are also a few instances when you will be required to wear a mask, regardless if you can properly social-distance or not.
These situations include entering, exiting and moving around inside businesses, facilities and other buildings. You must also wear a mask inside the common areas of hotels, motels, multi-family housing developments or residential facilities, including in the hallways, reception area and in the elevators.
Exceptions to Broward County’s mask rule include:
▪ Children younger than 2, and any child, regardless of age, who is being cared for at a licensed childcare facility, including daycare centers.
▪ Anyone with a disability or medical condition that either makes it difficult to breath or prevents that person from wearing a mask/facial covering.
▪ If you are eating, drinking or receiving a facial-grooming service that cannot be done with a mask on.
The Florida Keys also recently made mask-wearing a law inside any public place — except while eating — through June 2021.
Do I have to wear a mask if I’m exercising?
Probably not.
Anyone who is participating in “strenuous physical activity” such as running, swimming and playing basketball does not need to wear a mask in Miami-Dade or Broward counties, regardless if the activity is inside or outside.
But if you are just walking on a sidewalk in places like Miami Beach, for instance, you are expected to wear a mask or facial covering.
Masks are also not required for any other activity that might cause the fabric to get wet. Swimming with cloth covering your mouth would be dangerous. Plus, a soggy mask is uncomfortable.
Do I have to wear a mask when I’m going through the drive-thru to pick up my food order?
Yes, because you are facing another person to give the order and to pay.
Do I have to wear a mask when I walk my dog?
Yes, if you’re walking on public property outside. Walking doesn’t fall under the “strenuous exercise” umbrella.
Do I have to wear a mask if I am attending a protest or participating in a protest?
Yes, and there can be no gatherings of more than 10 people.
Do I have to wear a mask if I go out to pick up my mail or put the trash out?
It depends.
If the mailbox is in a common area, like a bank of boxes in the lobby of your condo, then yes, in both Miami-Dade and Broward.
Same goes for dragging out the trash. You are walking outside. And in many condos and apartment complexes, the trash chute is in a common area of the place you live so the ruling applies.
But if your mailbox is on your own property, then you don’t have to wear a mask.
Do I have to wear a mask when I go fetch my Instacart or other delivery?
Yes, if you have to go outside to get it or if it’s in a common area. If the package is on your porch, then no, you don’t have to wear a mask.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 5:07 PM.
