LTC 125-2020 COVID-19 Update and Our City ResponseTO : M em bers of the City Com m ission
FRO M : M ayor D an G elber 125-2020
DATE: March 7, 2020
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update and Our City Response
Now that there have been documented cases in Broward County, the likelihood of spread to Miami-
Dade has increased. Our City Administration continues to be in regular contact with County health
officials, and I am regularly speaking to Mayor Gimenez and other officials. We have obviously
implemented various counter measures throughout our community and especially within our most
vulnerable populations, namely seniors. Monday we have organized a meeting of hotel managers to
discuss best practices.
Some of you (and many in the community) are wondering what action we will take regarding the many
gatherings and activities presently ongoing and scheduled. At this point we are not cancelling events or
gatherings in which we have approved special event permits in the absence of informed direction from
health care and emergency management professionals. That said, it seems likely that in the not so
distant future I could imagine actions directed at curtailing public gatherings- especially those with
large participation from tourists who have traveled from around the nation and world. We are reaching
out to organizers of some of those events to seek their input and determine what they are considering
as well.
I have been advised by the City Attorney that City special event permits may lawfully be cancelled by the
Manager and without City Commission approval. Given that the situation is changing almost daily, it
makes sense to rely on that authority if in his judgment such actions become necessary. Significantly,
while we have greater control over events that are dependent upon City sponsored permits, most
gatherings are not reliant on special permits. And of course our City is filled with bars, restaurants and
venues that are regularly teeming with residents and tourists who are informally gathering. So it is vital
that our policy and actions recognize the dynamic nature of this challenge.
In order to assure your full involvement, I have asked the Manager to convene a daily (or as needed)
morning call at 8:45 a.m. under his Emergency Operation Authority much like we convene during a
threat of hurricane. These calls will be for you and your staff, and City personnel. The Manager
appointed Assistant City Manager Alina Hudak as the point of contact. The calls will only be intended to
disseminate factual information because, by law, they cannot include any policy discussions. Should you
receive calls from the public, I recommend providing the FL Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center
1.866.779.6121.