Miami, Miami-Dade Mayors Urge People To Keep Using Masks During Phase 3

The mayors of Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami urged residents to continue wearing face masks amid Florida's Phase 3 reopening and the coronavirus pandemic, NBC Miami reported on Wednesday (September 30).

Last Friday (September 25), Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted COVID-19 restrictions on the Sunshine State. People cannot be fined for not wearing masks, as well.

Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other businesses were also given the greenlight to reopen at full capacity under Phase 3. Cities and counties are also prohibited from ordering businesses to close or operate at less than half-capacity, unless it's for economic or health reasons.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the county will continue issuing citations for wearing masks, but fines won't be collected.

"Local governments can still have health regulations to make sure all businesses are opening as safely as possible," he said.

City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he's received countless calls about DeSantis' executive order since the announcement.

"I know that there has been a lot of confusion about what's open and what's not," Suarez said. "It even took us a couple days to fully understand what the rules are."

Suarez said Miami has seen a 90% drop in COVID-19 spread since they instituted a mask rule. Because of this, he is also urging people to continue using face coverings.

"This is not about having to pay a fine, experts agree that wearing a mask is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of the virus," Suarez said. "We need to be responsible for ourselves and our loved ones.

Bars and restaurants can operate at full capacity if they maintain six feet of social distancing between tables. Lack of compliance can lead to the business being closed or fined.

"Food and beverages can only be consumed when people are seated, and loud music isn't permitted, in an attempt to stop people from yelling," according to NBC Miami.

Photo: Getty Images