Omicron concerns are changing COVID rules in South Florida again. Here’s a guide

The rapid spread of omicron appears likely to dampen holiday plans.

Some familiar pandemic sights, restrictions, and closures have begun to return in Miami-Dade and Broward County. COVID-19 test sites are flooded with long lines again. And cases have been on the rise in the last week throughout Florida, with some days seeing increases not seen since September during the delta wave.

The omicron variant, which was first identified on Nov. 24 in South Africa, is now the dominant strain in the U.S., including in Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is encouraging people to take precautions for their holiday gatherings, including dining outdoors and getting tested. Concerns over rising COVID-19 cases have also pushed South Florida hospitals to limit visitations; event organizers to cancel some concerts; and has even affected jury duty.

Keeping track of all the changes can get confusing. Here’s a list to help track the COVID rules, restrictions and closures in South Florida. This list will be updated as the COVID situation changes.

South Florida COVID rules, restrictions and closures

▪ Supermarkets: Open. Most grocery stores have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers or pivoted to recommending masks. If you’re unsure of a store’s rule, look for a sign on the front door. It’s also worth noting that Publix, Winn-Dixie and other supermarkets might have purchase limits on certain items due to supply chain issues.

▪ Pharmacies: Open. Walgreens and CVS Health, which owns Navarro Discount Pharmacies, CVS y mas and traditional CVS stores, do not require fully vaccinated customers to wear masks. Unvaccinated customers are asked to mask up.

▪ Restaurants: Open. You can eat inside or outside in both Miami-Dade and Broward.

▪ Stores: Open. Some stores might have a mask mandate in place.

▪ Transportation: At Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, masks are still required inside the airport and on planes due to a federal mandate. The mandate also applies to Brightline, Tri-Rail, Metrorail, Metromover, buses, taxis, Uber, Lyft and other public transportation options. And if you’re flying internationally, keep in mind that each country has its own vaccination, testing and quarantine rules.

COVID-19 testing: County-run and health department-run sites in South Florida offer free testing. The test is covered by your insurance. If you’re uninsured, a federal program will cover it. Miami International Airport and Fort-Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport also offer testing, but it costs money.

Several sites in Miami-Dade will be open 24/7 for testing, including Tropical Park, South Dade Government Center, Zoo Miami, Dan Paul Plaza and Miami International Airport.

Broward County opened five more COVID-19 test sites to help with demand and long lines. These new test sites will be at Mullins Park in Coral Springs, Lauderhill Sports Park in Lauderhill, Tree Tops Park in Davie, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek and Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill. At least four of the sites previously served as testing or vaccination sites.

For now, at-home test kits can be purchased through Amazon and select retailers, including Walmart, CVS, Target and Walgreens. But beware: Retailers are limiting how many test kits people can buy.

On Dec. 31, Miami-Dade County handed out about 75,000 COVID-19 home tests at eight libraries. The county has been doing these giveaways for the last week, handing out more than 150,000 testing kits between Christmas Eve and Monday evening.

On Dec. 30, Broward County distributed at-home COVID rapid test kits to residents outside nine public libraries. There were a limited number of kits and only two were allowed per household. People were asked to show proof of Broward residency to get one.

▪ Courts: Miami-Dade criminal jury trials are paused through Dec. 31 due to surging COVID cases. It’s not clear whether jury trials in Miami-Dade civil court are also affected. On Thursday, Miami-Dade’s chief judge issued a mask mandate for all courthouses. No announcements have been made for Broward courts.

▪ County buildings: Starting Wednesday, Dec. 22, masks are required in all Miami-Dade government buildings. On Wednesday, Broward Mayor Michael Udine announced that employees are required to wear masks in government buildings. Masks are now required inside Coral Springs facilities.

▪ Hospitals: As of Dec. 28, Jackson Health System, Miami-Dade’s public healthcare provider, changed its visitation guidelines, which has canceled visitations for most patients due to rising COVID cases and omicron variant concerns. Under the new restrictions, only pediatric, maternity and rehabilitation patients without a confirmed or suspected COVID diagnosis will be allowed one healthy visitor daily. Patients who are in end-of-life care and don’t have a confirmed or suspected COVID diagnosis will also still be allowed to have healthy visitors.

Baptist Health South Florida said the guidelines continuously change and the rules vary, depending on the property.

The maternity ward at Fort Lauderdale’s Holy Cross Health was temporarily closed because of COVID-related staffing shortages.

▪ Schools: The current protocol in Miami-Dade and Broward public schools is that parents can decide if their child should wear a mask or not. But Miami-Dade schools now require all adults to wear a mask on public school property. In Broward, masks are required for only visitors and vendors.

The mask policy of each charter school is set by its governing board. Most of the major public charter schools in South Florida, such as Academica, recommend masks but are letting parents decide if their child should wear a mask or not.

At public universities and colleges, such as Florida International University and Miami-Dade College, masks are recommended but not required. Private universities have their own rules. The University of Miami, for example, requires masks indoors but not outside.

Sports venues: FTX Arena requires everyone ages 2 and older to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. If you’re planning to see the Miami Heat, proof of a negative test or vaccination is not required unless you want to sit within 15 feet of the court, also known as the “Red Zone.” This is an NBA requirement, not one created by the Heat.

At Sunrise’s FLA Live Arena, masks are recommended, not required. At Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, and at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, masks are recommended.

The NHL shut down the Florida Panthers through the league’s Christmas break due to a wave of COVID cases, but the team returned to the ice on Wednesday, playing a home game against the New York Rangers.

▪ Concerts: Every event is different, so you’ll want to check your email frequently to see if there are any updates.

iHeartRadio canceled its Miami Jingle Ball concert on Sunday over omicron concerns. Harry Styles’ Capital One Beach Bash that was set to be held Thursday at Lummus Park in Miami Beach was also canceled due to an increase in cases.

▪ Performing arts venues: Adrienne Arsht Center requires a recent negative COVID test or proof of vaccination for entry. Masks are also required. The Miami City Ballet’s performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at the Arsht Center was called off because someone involved in the production had a “breakthrough case” of COVID. At Broward Center for the performing Arts, the COVID rules depend on the event. Most events are requiring masks. Some events may also require a recent negative COVID test or proof of vaccination for entry. Cirque Dreams Holidaze scheduled for Dec. 26 and 27 at Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts was postponed. The new dates have not been released. At Actors’ Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre guests 12 and older are also required to show a negative test or proof of vaccination. Masks are also required inside.

▪ Attractions: Health policies vary, depending on the place. At Zoo Miami, it is required for guests ages 2 and older to wear masks inside all indoor facilities, even if vaccinated. Some activities remain closed, including the monorail. Guests are also encouraged to buy tickets ahead of time. The HistoryMiami Museum will be closed until January 10, 2022.

At Flamingo Gardens in Broward, masks and social distancing are not required. In Central Florida, Universal Orlando Resort updated its face covering policy to start requiring masks at all indoor locations and in ride queue lines starting Friday.

For the second year in a row on New Year’s Eve the Big Orange at the InterContinental Hotel has been canceled due to COVID; fireworks and a concert at Bayfront Park will still go on.

▪ Malls: Stores and restaurants inside malls are allowed to have their own mask policies. What about in mall common areas? It depends on where you go. At Aventura Mall and Brickell City Centre, for example, masks are recommended, but not required.

At CityPlace Doral and at malls owned and run by Simon, including Miami International Mall, The Falls, Sawgrass Mills and Dadeland, fully vaccinated shoppers don’t need to wear a mask. People who are not vaccinated are encouraged to mask up.

Is there a COVID rule change or COVID-related cancellation in South Florida that’s not on this list? Let us know by emailing mmarchante@miamiherald.com and cteproff@miamiherald.com

Miami Herald staff writer Devoun Cetoute and Jordan McPherson contributed to this report.

This article will be updated.

This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 11:13 AM.