Dear Colleagues,
Mayor Carlos Gimenez has declared a state of emergency for Miami-Dade County regarding the health threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Guidance Regarding Arts and Cultural Activities
As of this advisory, arts and cultural organizations should make decisions regarding activities and events based on their best assessment of their impact on public health. Mayor Gimenez will make future policy decisions regarding indoor events planned for more than 250 people based on federal and state health officials’ guidance.
In consultation with the Florida Department of Health, we are sharing the following actions being taken in other communities for cultural and arts events and activities, based on their assessment of health risks:
• Other communities are strongly recommending that events and activities involving more than 250 people who are gathered in close proximity (e.g., theaters) be postponed or cancelled; however, at the present time, Miami-Dade County is encouraging those affected here to follow the guidelines below regarding health and cleaning measures and as necessary, consider cancellations, as appropriate;
• While other communities are cancelling events involving more than 1,000 people who are gathered in close proximity (e.g., theaters), Miami-Dade County is not yet requiring cancellations; however, at the present time, we are encouraging those affected here to follow the guidelines below regarding health and cleaning measures and as necessary, consider cancellations, as appropriate; and
• Museums and other indoor public gathering spaces should consider policies limiting attendance to allow for sufficient social distancing (i.e., a minimum distance of six feet between people) and all exhibits involving interactivity (e.g., touching) should be discontinued.
It is important to emphasize that as the situation regarding COVID-19 evolves, our recommendations and requirements may change. Please be sure to look for and review these updates. In addition, please visit www.MiamiDade.gov/coronavirus for updated information and guidance from Miami-Dade County.
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Events and Activities
The Department’s meetings and workshops will occur as scheduled and performances at Department-operated facilities (i.e., African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Miami-Dade County Auditorium and South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center) will continue for now, as scheduled, with some exceptions for artists canceling due to travel limitations. Please note the following:
• Best practices to help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, as reiterated below, are being implemented for our meetings and activities; and
• Our theaters are issuing ticket refunds, providing exchanges, and/or honoring tickets for rescheduled events to help address public concerns.
Best Practices for Preventing Illness
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from close person-to-person and possibly from contact with infected surfaces or objects. The following actions help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Try alternatives to shaking hands, like a wave
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home when you’re sick (don’t allow sick employees to come to work)
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (especially cell phones) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• If you have recently returned from a country, state or region with ongoing COVID-19 infections, monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others.
We encourage you to make available hand sanitizer to your employees and patrons and wipe down touchable surfaces often with cleaning spray and wipes.
Posting Prevention Signs
You can post signs for your staff and patrons with recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The County has developed flyers with tips in English, Spanish and Creole, as well as posters in various sizes.
These updated flyers now include the Florida Department of Health hotline and the County’s website for more information.
Symptoms and Follow-up
Symptoms of COVID-19 are like the flu: fever, cough, shortness of breath. At this time, the CDC, believes symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you suspect that an employee or someone at your facility or event is sick, they should be physically moved away from others and return home. From home, they should immediately contact their medical provider or nearest hospital to schedule a visit.
Next Steps and Notices
We understand that you are concerned about the impact the COVID-19 is having on your ability to serve the public with great arts activities. We appreciate your commitment to ensuring the health and safety of your audiences, volunteers, and staff. If you have cancelled or postponed events, please let us know through this link. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is continuing to work closely with us to promote ongoing activities and to alert the public to events that are not occurring.
We encourage you to track any additional expenses that you may be incurring as a result of COVID-19 and also, any revenue loss that is attributable to this health threat. We promise to stay in touch and to provide these updates as the situation evolves.
Thank you,
Michael Spring
Senior Advisor, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
To view a comprehensive list of all the previous updates on COVID-19 click here