City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19, 8/19

 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Today, the City Manager has extended the city’s State of Emergency Declaration through August 26, 2020 and updated its Emergency Measures to include the following: Short-term rentals and vacation rentals that are not located in condominium or hotel buildings must remain CLOSED and are expressly PROHIBITED. Short-term rentals and vacation rentals that are not located in condominium or hotel buildings are prohibited from accepting any new guests or making any new reservations. Commencing at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 and notwithstanding any other emergency order to the contrary, for short-term rentals and vacation rentals located in condominiums or hotel buildings where otherwise permitted, the maximum daytime and overnight occupancy shall be up to a maximum of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons per rental unit not to exceed a maximum of four persons, unless it is a single family group staying together, in which case not to exceed six persons per rental units. Any violation(s) of the maximum occupancy restriction may result in the immediate revocation of the Business Tax Receipt for the short-term rental unit or vacation rental in question for the duration of the Emergency Order, or any other appropriate penalty determined by the City Manager. Any violation of the emergency measures shall subject the individual, operator, business entity, or organization to arrest and criminal prosecution pursuant to Section 26-36 and Section 1-14 of the City Code. Furthermore, any violation of the provisions of this Order may subject an operator, business entity, or organization to the closure of the establishment for a period of at least 24 hours, or through the duration of the State of Emergency.

Florida Safe Survey: Department of Elder Affairs Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the release of an online survey to allow residents, especially older adults, to make important self-assessments on their COVID-19 behaviors through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA).    The survey asks Floridians to review their decisions with respect to COVID-19 situations, to see how different actions affect their own health, and the health of others. The Florida Safe Survey allows individuals to have a tool at their disposal that fully engages them in the outcomes of their actions.   The self-audit is available at FloridaSafeSurvey.com and takes only a few minutes to complete. Respondents of the survey may anonymously answer questions such as the amount and type of their weekly activities, the number of people in their household, their ability to receive physical or mental health assistance if needed, and the types of preventive measures used on a regular basis.   The Safe Behavior Report offers customized recommendations for each respondent and guides them to different local, state, and national resources based on their answers to questions on geographic location, lifestyle, and personal experiences. The survey allows individuals to evaluate choices they make in everyday situations and possibly change future results based on behavior modifications.

Lottery for COVID-19 Assistance The City of Miami Beach has received Coronavirus Relief Funds from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) to provide emergency rent, mortgage, and maintenance/HOA fees assistance to households adversely impacted by COVID-19. Applications for the assistance lottery are currently being accepted now through Wednesday, August 26 at 4 p.m. Click here to enter the lottery. A computerized lottery of submitted applications will be held on Monday, August 31 at 9 a.m. to establish a numerical order for processing these applicants. Inclusion in the lottery waitlist does not mean your application is confirmed eligible or that the applicant will receive assistance.  Miami Beach households earning up to 120% Area Median Income ($58,440 for a household of one) can apply online via the City’s website for help with: Rental assistance (including rent arrears, deposits and utility payments) Mortgage payments (including principal and interest as well as insurance and property taxes paid via escrow only) and homeowner association fees. The assisted property may not have any current City liens and cannot be under any forbearance agreement in order to qualify for assistance Housing re-entry assistance such as security deposits, utility deposits and temporary storage of household furnishings For more information, call the Office of Housing and Community Services at 305.673.7491.

Resident Parking Permit Have you renewed your residential parking permit? Renewals can be completed online on the city's Parking App, or residents can use a computer, smartphone or tablet to renew their permits here. Here are the simple steps to do so virtually: Visit https://secure.miamibeachfl.gov/parking/Account/Login and log into your account Click on renew Select renewed option, enter code and click submit Click on add to cart Click on proceed to checkout then continue Enter credit card information, accept the terms of service & click pay

Virtual Culture The all-new VIRTUAL 22nd Annual Miami Edition of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival is coming, August 20 through August 30! The combined Miami and Fort Lauderdale 2020 Edition of the Festival starts with a Drive-In Opening Night experience beginning Thursday, August 20. The remaining film events will screen daily, throughout the 10 days with live Q&A’s and actor appearances to maintain the “festival” experience. Films in the program will be first-run narrative feature length films, documentaries and short films. Participants will be able to view the film for up to 48 hours after the start date. Centerpiece and Closing Night Films will also have a virtual party experience involving entertainment, silent auctions and chances for the virtual festival-goer to interact with each other. Click here to learn more and view our weekly virtual culture guide.

Drive-Thru Food Distribution Feeding South Florida and Commissioner David Richardson will host a drive-thru food distribution on Saturday, August 22. Saturday, August 22 9 AM - 11 AM 2100 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL The food distribution is on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Please remain in your car and open the trunk when it's your turn in line. If you do not have a car and would like to qualify for food assistance, please call or register online. Phone: 305.604.CITY (2489) or www.miamibeachfl.gov/food

Week of Welcome: Miami-Dade County Public Schools Prepare for the new school year with daily learning modules brought to you by Miami-Dade Public Schools beginning August 24 through August 28. Visit https://miamiweekofwelcome.com Tune into the Superintendent's Parent Webinar on Tuesday, August 25 at 5:30 PM Visit https://dadeschools.eduvision.tv Submit your questions before Friday, August 21 to questions@dadeschools.net.

Mask Up Miami Beach We urge everyone to wear a mask, continue practicing social distancing and meticulously wash hands regularly. Reminder, Miami Beach Police and Code Compliance Officers are giving out $50 civil citations for anyone not wearing a facial covering while in a public place or space. Free masks are being provided at all Miami-Dade Public Libraries.

COVID-19 & Antibody Testing Walk-Up Testing The walk-up COVID-19 testing site located at 73 Street and Ocean Terrace has moved to the municipal parking lot on 21 Street and Collins Avenue and will continue to operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Once you check-in, there is no need to stand in a line, you will receive a text message advising when the nurse is ready for you. Miami Beach Convention Center Testing Site Both the COVID-19 active virus and antibody tests continue to be available at the Miami Beach Convention Center testing facility located on 17 Street and Convention Center Drive. The COVID-19 drive-thru and walk-up testing site is available daily, including weekends, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is available for ages 5 and up. Visit our 'Testing' tab to view detailed information on all testing locations, including testing at the Hard Rock Stadium and homebound testing and further details.

Plasma Donation As the number of COVID-19 infections rise in Florida, hospitals are facing critical shortages of convalescent plasma for treatment. OneBlood is working with the public and physicians to coordinate the delivery of potential lifesaving COVID-19 convalescent plasma to those in need.   Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover. Click here to learn more on how you can donate today.

Make Your Voice Count: Fill Out the Census Now more than ever it's important to get counted! So call up your friends and neighbors and ask them to visit my2020census.gov and make sure our community gets counted. Stay Informed Visit our dedicated, city-related coronavirus webpage at www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, including important resources, impacts to city services and more. Our city hotline at 305.604.CITY (2489) is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can also email your questions to MBCovid@miamibeachfl.gov. Or connect with us through social media via email, Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter and via text message (text MBAlert to 888777).

‌

‌  ‌  ‌