Residents,

As we face the public health emergency of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its imminent devastating impacts to our local economy, I want to provide you with important information, as well as let you know that the District 5 team is doing its part to help our residents, workers, and vulnerable populations.

What we know about the virus is that our elderly population and those with underlying conditions are most at risk. We also know that low-wage workers - the backbone of our tourism-based economy - will lose wages or their jobs. I have been working directly with government agencies, community partners, and unions to mitigate these impacts as we face this crisis.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call your medical provider or the Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400. For questions about COVID-19 in Florida, please call the Florida Department of Health at 1-866-779-6121. 
Government Information & Resources
Wednesday night, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez declared a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus. Under this emergency authority, the Mayor has cancelled mass gatherings , ordered the closure of community centers that serve seniors (more below), and closed county entertainment venues . Future policy decisions may be made based on the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , and the Florida Department of Health .

Miami-Dade County is updating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) page as more developments are made. You should also follow updates on city services in Miami and Miami Beach as well as Miami-Dade County Public Schools:



 
Moratoriums on Evictions & Utilities 
  • Evictions: the Miami-Dade Police Department has suspended all eviction activities until further notice. This applies countywide including the cities of Miami and Miami Beach. I have spoken to both city police chiefs to make sure they are aware of the moratorium. 

  • Water & Sewer Utility: Beginning March 12, all Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) customers are protected from late fee charges and disconnection of water service. This will be in effect until further notice.

  • Power Utility: I have spoken to Florida Power & Light (FPL) and strongly encouraged them to waive late fees and suspend disconnection of service. They advised that this was currently under consideration. 
Helping Our Seniors
As the Mayor directed, senior centers will be closed as of Monday, March 16. My team has reached out to all senior centers in District 5 to confirm that contingency plans are in place for feeding and providing for additional needs.

I know the needs of our seniors will be met, but I’m deeply concerned that social distancing will lead to a serious loneliness epidemic among this vulnerable population. That’s why I’ll be launching a #SeniorCheckIn campaign on District 5 social media channels asking neighbors to engage with seniors over the phone or through Facetime. From sharing your morning café con leche, watching a movie “together,” exercising, or playing games, every little interaction will go a long way during this time of uncertainty.  
Protecting Our Workers
Low-wage workers across industries are getting hours cut and are at risk of losing their jobs all together. Yesterday, I visited Miami International Airport (MIA) to check in on the employees and store owners to understand the impact of the dramatic decline in air travel. Air travel is so low that entire sections of security were closed. Shops were empty and restaurants only had a handful of tables occupied. I’ve been in constant communication with the unions that represent the hotel and airport workers, as well as the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association to understand their needs as their operations change dramatically. 

I will be bringing this issue up at the special County Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 9:30am. The meeting was called to discuss all matters relating to Coronavirus (Covid-19).
The District 5 Office
My office has taken necessary protections to keep our staff and constituents safe. As of Monday, District 5 staff will only be available at the Coral Way office. We have installed multiple hand sanitizing stations in our office for staff and visitors to use. In addition, all District 5 events and senior programming have been postponed until further notice.

The Mom and Pop Grant Program application due dates are also postponed until further notice. Please do not come to our district offices next week, March 16-20, to submit your application. Contact Rachel Cohen at Rachel.Cohen@miamidade.gov if you have additional questions.

My team is prepared to continue working for you should we be required to self-isolate at any time. We will be responsive through phone and email, and meetings will be held on Zoom or on our conference line. Should you need any assistance from our office during this time, please contact us at 305-375-5924 or District5@miamidade.gov . 
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