With well-targeted plans, we can both reopen Miami-Dade and protect residents’ safety | Opinion

Everyone in our community is waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel.

Parents and children have been forced into a new learning environment overnight. Shuttered small businesses want to reopen. Miami-Dade residents have shown incredible patience. The time invested in keeping each other safe requires that we take measured steps that continue to safeguard residents’ health, while reopening our economy.

I recently have started a conversation with industry and community leaders of District 13 to discuss what a reopening looks like to them. Reopening plans should not look the same in different parts of the county, which rely on different sectors of our economy. The District 13 Economic Recovery Task Force discussed the circumstances in four areas: healthcare; education and community; hospitality and small businesses; and finance and professionals. Each area has a task force working group.

Healthcare professionals reiterated how personal protective equipment and other hygienic measures will become part of our new normal. The working group discussed creating a sanitation certification program that will create an ideal work setting and give customers peace of mind. We also focused on the deteriorating mental health of some residents: Many seniors are at home with absolutely no human interaction; many families are financially strapped because they still can’t work. I plan to work with mental health professional on ways we can proactively help our community.

Opening our economy will have a direct impact on children and childcare programs. Businesses and these programs must be opened in tandem. Most parents do not have safe childcare in place for their children or may fear using their usual childcare program. Programs need to be equipped to provide safe and proper care. The working group also discussed the importance of preparing for the influx of minors who will not have summer activities or jobs, which may be detrimental to areas of our community. Businesses should be encouraged to allow telecommuting as much as possible to assist parents with these circumstances.

The small-business discussions reiterated the importance of compartmentalizing a reopening plan and evaluating each industry at a micro-level. Each industry has its own needs. As we have seen with the county’s action plan to reopen open public spaces, we must evaluate each area closely and adopt individual measures. Small-business owners and banking leaders both expressed the need for financial assistance. I plan to work with Mayor Carlos Gimenez to expand our mom-and-pop program to offer financial help. The county also must explore the ability to extend the early-payment discount on all timely property tax payments.

The need to educate and interact with our community was common theme in our conversations. The task force will lead a series of webinars hosted by members to discuss important topics, including mental health, legal impacts on small businesses and business best practices.

There are some fundamental factors to consider in order to successfully reopen Miami-Dade County:

First, though circumstances in each district and municipality may vary, there must be greater communication and coordination between cities and the county as we look to announce reopening policies. It’s the least local government can do to avoid further confusion and stress on residents.

Second, we must strike the appropriate balance between protecting residents, especially the most vulnerable, and restarting our economy. The two concerns may be in conflict at times. However, safety should always prevail. And third, we must have the flexibility to adjust as needed. (Last weekend’s marina fiasco proved that what is conceived in theory is not necessarily realistic.) We must make accommodations and correct course as needed.

I look forward to continued input from the District 13 task force. Its members’ real-life experience and on-the-ground feedback are vital to knowing what works best and what needs improvement.

These are all new and unprecedented challenges. Many of the measures that have become part of our daily routine may become permanent, while others may be phased out. The instruction manual for this new reality is being written by all of us, each day. It will require our continued patience and commitment to each other to succeed.

Esteban L. Bovo Jr. represents District 13 on the Miami-Dade County Commission. He is a candidate for county mayor.