Residents,
 
The last few days have been a whirlwind as the COVID-19 pandemic reached Miami-Dade County. This public health crisis has affected every individual, nonprofit, small business, student, and community in one way or another. My goal is to provide clear, consistent, and transparent information to you.
 
Yesterday, County Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued emergency orders closing all non-essential retail establishments as well as parks and beaches throughout Miami-Dade County. All of these actions have been taken to protect the health and safety of our residents. 
 
In addition to all health and safety precautions, I have been working to identify solutions for our workers during this unprecedented situation. I have been in constant communication with businesses, hotels, local labor unions, and state and federal elected officials to identify resources and encourage the State of Florida to ensure our residents are protected during this challenging time. 
 
I encourage you to limit your social interactions and stay home if possible. We can slow the spread by changing our behavior. 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.

Below are the active emergency executive orders implemented by County Mayor Carlos Gimenez:


  • March 19: All parks, beaches and recreational facilities in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County are ordered closed. This order applies to both publicly-owned and privately-owned parks, beaches and recreational facilities.


  • March 18: No person shall operate any common-use moped, motorized scooter, bicycle or motorized bicycle, or any micro-mobility device, on any public street or sidewalk within the limits of Miami-Dade County.

  • March 17: Requiring bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Miami-Dade County to close on-premise service of customers.

  • March 16: Closure of senior meal sites and community centers while directing County staff to take all appropriate measures to provide food service to affected locations.

For your safety and that of your neighbors, it’s crucial that you follow the directives from local government.
 



 
Reemployment Assistance Program
The Reemployment Assistance Program provides unemployment insurance benefits to eligible individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. Individuals who may be eligible during the COVID-19 public health crisis 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.

Although the program is meant to provide assistance, I have identified major barriers such as the requirement for applicants to search for work - which doesn't make sense given there are no jobs. In addition, applicants must file through an online portal that is not accessible on mobile devices, and libraries are closed - hindering residents’ access to computers and internet. Workers have also complained that the website is not user friendly and frequently crashes.

On Wednesday, I joined State Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez and leaders of our local unions on a video press event to discuss these barriers and to pressure the Governor to take swift action. I thank Senator Rodriguez, Unite Here Local 355, SEIU 32BJ, and Florida AFL-CIO for their leadership on this issue.
Since then, I am pleased that Governor DeSantis has publically acknowledged that changes in Florida's  unemployment  system are required and that an executieve order waiving certain requirements is forthcoming. See the letter I wrote to him outlining the changes we recommend. I've also been in touch with community organizations that offer assistance with completing applications to develop a way to continue services virtually or through an appointment system.

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. 
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.
2020 Census
The 2020 Census has begun! The Census can be filled out while social distancing in the comfort of your own home. It is important for all of us to complete the Census proactively online or by phone to ensure Miami get's our fair share of federal and state funding. Census data is used to allocate funding for schools, hospitals, roads, transit, and programs such as SNAP and Headstart, for the next ten years! 

Please visit my2020census.gov to complete the Census online or call 844-330-2020. Don’t forget to count everyone living in your household! 

llame a 844-468-2020 para completar el censo por teléfono en Español.
#SeniorCheckIn
How are you checking in with the older adults in your life?

The #SeniorCheckIn campaign encourages us to reach out to the seniors we know over the phone or through FaceTime during this crisis. Whether you chat while having your morning coffee or call to discuss a book or movie you both enjoy, please continue engaging with one another. Most of us have been inconvenienced in some way or another due to this crisis, but our elderly population and those with underlying conditions especially need to know that we are there for them. Share how you are doing your #SeniorCheckIn on social media, and encourage others to do the same.

If you learn that a senior who usually eats at a community center has not been enrolled in that center's meal delivery program, please have them call 311 to sign up for the County's meal delivery service.

The following retailers have instituted special shopping hours for our seniors to get their groceries and essentials without compromising their health:

  • Target: The first hour of opening on Wednesdays is reserved for seniors and those with underlying health conditions. Check your local store for times.

  • Publix: Beginning March 24, the store will open Tuesdays and Wednesday 7 am to 8 am for people 65 years or older. This includes the pharmacy.

  • Sedanos: Open 7 am to 8 am for those 65 and older and those who are immunocompromized.

  • Winn-Dixie: Open 8 am to 9 am, Monday-Friday, for the elderly and at-risk.

  • Whole Foods: Opening one hour before store opening for customers 60 or older. Check your local store for times.
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.

Local Businesses & Nonprofits
  • The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides assistance to small businesses and private nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis. Over $50 million has been allocated to this program and you can apply until May 8. For more information contact the Florida Small Business Development Center at Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org or 866-737-7232.

 
  • Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time. Click here for more information. 


  • The following Greener Coral Way businesses are available for take out and/or delivery. You can also support businesses in the City of Miami Beach’s #PlasticFreeMB program.





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


All District 5 COVID-19 Updates
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