Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez about the importance of wearing masks and social distancing

I’m pleased to see Miami-Dade County’s cities are taking seriously the New Normal rules requiring masks, social distancing and many other protocols for businesses, parks, beaches and marinas to remain open. 

I drove around Miami and Miami Beach this weekend and found many people outdoors too close together and not wearing masks. 

Order 20-20, which I signed on April 9, requires masks always indoors at business establishments and outdoors when people cannot practice social distancing to remain at least 6 feet apart. 

Wearing masks outdoors in congested cities like Miami, North Miami Beach, Aventura, Hialeah and Miami Gardens is a good idea. I commend the mayors of those cities for making that a requirement. 

I will be meeting with the County’s medical experts tomorrow to discuss whether the use of masks in less congested unincorporated areas of the County is necessary. 

I will reiterate that enforcement remains key. None of this means anything unless the New Normal rules are enforced by the County’s 34 municipalities. 

Miami-Dade County will continue to crack down on violators to make sure masks and social distancing rules are followed to protect our residents from the spread of COVID-19. Miami-Dade County Police will continue to be out in force checking on businesses, parks, beaches and marinas, both in the unincorporated areas and in cities that are not enforcing the County orders.