Residents,
 
The response to the COVID-19 crisis continues to change rapidly. Since my last update, multiple countywide emergency orders were issued, and cities including Miami and Miami Beach have implemented "Safer at Home" directives. Our daily lives have been dramatically uprooted - but following these orders and directives is the quickest way to get our routines back to normal.

Top of mind remains vulnerable populations, local business owners, and residents left without jobs. My staff and I have heard your stories of 3-4 hour wait times and system crashes as you desperately seek unemployment insurance from an overwhelmed state system. As previously reported, I have advocated alongside my colleagues to pressure the Governor to make necessary directives; and while some have been ordered, they aren't being implemented fast enough. Rest assured that I will continue advocating for the unemployed in District 5 and Miami-Dade County. 

Local businesses across industries have already shortened their hours or closed their doors, forcing them to lay off employees. We have heard from you too; that's why we've developed a Local Business and Nonprofit Disaster Relief Resource Guide . This guide is a working document which will be updated as additional resources become available.

As I tell my parents and staff, stay at home! This is the only way to slow the spread -- and get back to our normal lives as quickly as possible. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call your medical provider or the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) at 305-324-2400.
 
My staff and I are here for you throughout this time of uncertainty. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact us at  305-375-5924 or  District5@MiamiDade.gov

Stay Well,
Government Information & Resources
Declarations of emergency have been issued at the federal, state, and local government levels, and directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , and the Florida Department of Health are being monitored and implemented.

All active emergency executive orders implemented by County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, as well as updates on county services can be found at the Miami-Dade County Coronavirus Homepage . Some important updates are provided below.

County Services

Transportation
Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has reduced frequency and suspended fares to ride the bus and Metrorail for the time being. The department has also adjusted in-person services in response to COVID-19. DTPW encourages riders to only use public transit for essential trips and to stay home if possible. Click here for a full list of service adjustments .

Water and Sewer
As we clean and disinfect more frequently in response to Coronavirus, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) reminds you that wipes and paper towels should not be flushed down the toilet. These items can cause significant clogs that could lead to sewage spills and damages to our wastewater system.

We want to reiterate that Miami-Dade water is safe to drink . There is no need to purchase bottled water, as the virus does not impact our tap water.


Libraries
All Miami-Dade Public Library System (M-DPLS) branches have closed to the public until further notice. All eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, movies, music, online learning, and tutoring are accessible with a library card. Those who don’t have a library card can apply for an eCard online at  ecard.mdpls.org . This electronic card will give immediate access to the MDPLS online library and other services. Get the latest update on library services here . For assistance with library cards, library accounts or for any questions, please contact customercare@mdpls.org

Additional Resources:



 
Reemployment Assistance Program
The State of Florida Reemployment Assistance Program provides unemployment insurance benefits to eligible individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. Individuals who might be eligible may include: those who are quarantined by a doctor or government agency, laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period, or are caring for family diagnosed with COVID-19.

While I appreciate that at the request of my colleagues and I some barriers to applying have been removed by the Governor, such as the requirement to file through an online portal and the work search requirement, further action is required. There has been no order - yet - to increase benefits from $275 per week. The system continues to be overwhelmed with long wait times on phones and website crashes. While I am aware that more resources are being deployed, our residents need help now.

While we are working on developing solutions, visit the  program website  to begin preparing the necessary documents and the  Reemployment Assistance COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions  for more information.
Local Businesses & Nonprofits Disaster Relief Resource Guide
As we brace ourselves for the economic impacts of COVID-19, the District 5 staff has put together a Local Businesses & Nonprofit Disaster Relief Resource Guide to let business owners and organizations know that they are not alone. We are taking it day-by-day, and my office will be updating this document as additional resources are made available.

If you know of resources that are not included in this document, please contact Rachel Cohen at rachel.cohen@miamidade.gov
2020 Census
As we adjust to this new normal, we urge everyone to go to my2020census.gov to complete the Census online or call 844-330-2020 to get counted over the phone.

If we don't have an accurate count of everyone in our community, we will receive less federal funds. This means less tax dollars for public health programs, hospitals, community health centers, schools, and other vital resources.

Click here to track census turnout in your neighborhood , and encourage your friends, neighbors and colleagues to fill it out today. A form that takes less than ten minutes impacts our community for the next ten years! Don’t forget to count everyone living at your address on the same survey.

llame al 844-468-2020 para completar el censo por teléfono en Español.
How District 5 is doing their #SeniorCheckIn
The #SeniorCheckIn campaign encourages us to reach out to the older adults we know during this crisis.

Danny Reyes, the District 5 Constituent Advocate, has been checking in with building managers and association members to make sure that all residents are receiving meals and have access to everything they need. He has also taken a few minutes to call and Facetime our senior constituents who have had limited social contact since their community activities have been cancelled. If you know a senior who needs home delivered meals during this crisis, please have them call 311 to sign up for the County's meal delivery service.

How are you doing your #SeniorCheckIn?
Beware of Scammers
Scammers target residents during times of crisis. Please beware of individuals calling, emailing, or knocking on your door with no supporting identification. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam during the COVID-19 crisis, please file a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission here.

Moratoriums
  • Evictions: the Miami-Dade Police Department has suspended all eviction activities until further notice. This applies to residential and commercial property countywide.

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


  • Telecommunication Companies: Many telecommunication companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, have committed to waiving late fees and discontinuing disconnects of service for any residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay due to disruptions. Learn more here.
Virtual Cultural Offerings and Events
The following cultural establishments and events are able to be enjoyed from the comfort of your home:

  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Take a virtual tour of the historic home and gardens here



Past District 5 COVID-19 Updates
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