It has been several weeks since the social distancing protocol has been put in place. And for most of us, it’s been nothing short of chaotic, frustrating, and confusing.
Chaotic because of panic buying and toilet-paper shortages. Frustrating because filing for unemployment has been nearly impossible. And confusing because a lot of us are understandably not familiar with our local government – no, Miami-Dade County and City of Miami do not have the same mayor.
Well, for City of Miami residents, there’s an end in sight for all the uncertainty. Mayor Francis Suarez has shared a plan on re-opening the city, which he calls #StandUpMiami. The plan will begin when the city has met all the criteria set by Florida’s Department of Health, which are:
- 14 consecutive days of a downward trajectory of influenza and COVID-like cases.
- Fewer positive cases each day.
- Hospitals need to be able to treat all patients without exceeding capacity.
Only when that happens will #StandUpMiami commence. The plan will be rolled out in phases.
Phase One:
- The curfew and stay at home order will be lifted, but social distancing protocols will remain.
- Parks, beaches, and marinas will re-open with social distancing guidelines in place.
- Businesses will be allowed to operate at or below 25% of their authorized total occupancy load, never exceeding 125 people.
- Restaurants will remain operating only for takeout and deliveries.
- Bars, gyms, theatres, casinos, and live-performance venues will remain closed.
Phase Two:
- Restaurants can operate with dining areas on-premises.
- Movie theatres and live-performance venues will be able to open.
- Businesses must operate at 50% of their authorized occupancy load, never exceeding 250.
Phase Three:
- Bars and gyms will be allowed to open, adhering to sanitizing protocols.
- Government buildings will resume regular staffing.
- Individuals can go back to normal social interaction.
Those who are the most vulnerable must continue to take the highest precautions to ensure their safety.
We’re all anxious and eager to get back to how things were. Although there are no set dates, knowing there is a plan in place should come as a small relief. If we continue to pull together as a city, if we continue to Stay Home, then sooner rather than later we’ll be able to #StandUpMiami.
