Florida governor: Cancel events, increase ‘social distancing’ as coronavirus spreads
In a dramatic escalation of the state’s coronavirus response, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came to Miami on Thursday and urged the cancellation of large events statewide and for residents to avoid close contact by using tactics known as “social distancing.”
Flanked by county elected officials at the headquarters of Jackson hospital, DeSantis said it was time for Florida to combat COVID-19 spread by reducing gatherings and encouraging people to keep their distance from each other.
“We need to increase social-distancing measures,” he said, citing a recent order to stop visitation at state prisons and on Thursday a 30-day suspension of travel for state employees and a ramping up of teleworking within the Florida bureaucracy. “I am recommending to local municipalities and private entities to strongly consider limiting or postponing mass gatherings in the state of Florida.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as maintaining a distance of six feet from other people, as well as “remaining out of congregate settings” avoiding “mass gatherings.”
DeSantis said he’s been in talks with the Professional Golf Association and Major League Baseball about canceling upcoming pro sports events. Opening Day at Marlins Park in Miami is March 26, but MLB leaders are reportedly on the verge of suspending the season, according to media reports.
The National Basketball Association suspended its season last night, and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez used emergency powers Thursday to cancel a string of large events, including the Miami Open tennis tournament. He also barred fans from attending NASCAR’s race in Homestead March 22. Hours later, NASCAR announced the Homestead race would proceed, but without spectators in the stands.
The DeSantis remarks followed a similar message from Gimenez, who joined the governor for the press conference.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Gimenez said all concerts and major events at the county-owned AmericanAirlines Arena are called off. He also called for “smaller gatherings” to be reconsidered “if they’re not essential.”
Gimenez also said more crackdowns could be coming on events larger than 250 people.
The mayor’s statement represented a severe escalation for the county’s response to COVID-19 after days of Gimenez’s emphasizing the need to protect senior citizens, clean hands and sanitize but otherwise continue with daily routines He emphasized the county’s coronavirus footing could change day by day, and his return from Washington, D.C.., Wednesday night from a White House meeting on the cruise industry marked that shift.
He signed an emergency declaration at Miami International Airport that went into effect Thursday morning and promptly announced the event cancellations.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 2:24 PM.