Key Information About Coronavirus

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Dear Friends of District 8,

As you likely know, COVID-19 is now a global pandemic and we must take this crisis extremely seriously, taking all appropriate steps to prepare and respond. While we don’t yet have reported cases of coronavirus spread through community contact in Miami-Dade, it’s critically important that we put in place preventive measures now that can help control the spread.

This week, Mayor Gimenez declared a state of emergency in Miami-Dade County, suspending all mass events and gatherings, and prioritizing the protection of our elderly by closing senior community centers starting Monday. These measures are certainly moving us in the right direction; however, I believe we must do more. I will continue to push for more access to testing, treatment, and policies that will support Miami-Dade families, particularly service industry workers who are especially vulnerable without paid sick leave, and all those who risk loss of pay or termination if they miss work due to illness.

Please know I will continue to work closely with local, state and federal agencies in monitoring COVID-19. Below is some key information to help you protect yourself and to learn more about the coronavirus pandemic.

As always, the District 8 Team is available to serve you. Reach out to us at district8@miamidade.gov; call us at 305-375-5218 (downtown office) or 305-378-6677 (district office); chat with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Yours for a healthy Miami-Dade,

Daniella

Key Information About Coronavirus

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue paper or inside your elbow.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects, such as desks, phones and keyboard.

Read more: How to protect yourself.

Individuals in Miami-Dade County who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call the local Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400. If you have a medical provider, call directly. If traveling to a medical office or facility, call ahead. For questions about COVID-19 in Florida, please call the Florida Department of Health at 1-866-779-6121.

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?

Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like: heart disease, diabetes, lung disease.

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

Stock up on supplies.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds as much as possible.
Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

HELPFUL LINKS TO STAY INFORMED:

HELPFUL HOTLINES:

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center: 1 (866) 779-6121 or email your questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Miami-Dade State Attorney Price Gouging Hotline: (305) 547-3300
State Attorney General Price Gouging Hotline: 1 (866) 966-7226
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Hotline: (305) 995-3000