Two months ago (April 24, to be exact) I wrote about wide-ranging curfews across Miami-Dade County as a response to Covid-19. As the county began to re-open we saw Covid-19 numbers surge. Guess what? New curfews, closing time regulations, and a roll-back of openings of entertainment venues such as concert halls, bowling alleys and adult entertainment clubs. We face a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in Miami-Dade and mandatory facial coverings any time you’re outside.
Reflecting on the state’s worsening crisis, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who has ordered a crackdown on businesses that do not follow the county’s face coverings and social distancing orders, sounded a somber note Thursday morning, reported The Herald.
“No one wants to go back to close nonessential businesses,” Gimenez said at Charles Hadley Park in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood. “I know how much suffering that has caused for working families. So please, everybody, follow the rules.”
Miami-Dade County has issued Emergency Order 27-20 imposing a curfew for all of Miami-Dade County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas, effective from 10 pm each night through 6 am the next morning until further notice.
During the period of such curfew, no person shall make use of any street or sidewalk for any purpose, except police, fire rescue, first responder, medical, health care, media, and utility repair service personnel. In addition, the curfew shall not apply to persons:
a. Working at essential establishments listed in attached exhibit A;
b. Returning directly to their homes from work at essential establishments or going directly to work at essential establishments from their homes;
c. Making deliveries from essential establishments; and
d. Walking their dogs within 250 feet of their residences.
i) at or inside a private residence;
ii) inside a private automobile;
iii) at or inside any religious institution, without limitation;
iv) inside a hotel, motel, or commercial lodging establishment guest room, or inside any apartment;
v) of children under the age of two years;
vi) of persons who cannot wear a mask or facial covering due to an existing medical condition;
vii) of an individual who is hearing impaired or an individual who is communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired;
viii) where federal or state safety or health regulations prohibit the wearing of facial coverings;
ix) of persons actively engaged in strenuous physical activity, either inside or outdoors;
x) of persons swimming or engaged in other activities which may cause the facial covering to become wet;
xi) while persons are actively eating, drinking, or smoking; and
xii) while a person is receiving services which require access to that person’s nose or mouth.
4. This order does not change or alter any social distancing requirements imposed in any other emergency order.
5. The provisions of this order shall serve as minimum standards. Municipalities may impose more stringent standards within their jurisdictions, as permitted by law.
Violations of the county ordinances are punishable as a second degree misdemeanor, maximum 60 days and a $500.00 fine. If you’ve been charged with a curfew violation don’t hesitate to contact Attorney Jonathan Blecher. He has more than three decades of experience defending the criminally charged and has been extensively recognized for his skills. Contact Us Now!