Statement from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on cancellation of mass gatherings

Miami-Dade County is under a state of emergency, as we deal with the public health threat of COVID-19.

Although we do not have community spread at this time, we want to take the preemptive steps to keep it that way. Therefore, I have decided to suspend the operation of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair, the Miami Open tennis tournament, the MIA 5K run, and all major events at the American Airlines Arena. The March 22 NASCAR race at the Homestead Miami Speedway is postponed at this time. NASCAR officials will decide whether or not to hold the race without fans.

As we move forward together during this time, we will continue to monitor what the World Health Organization has determined is a global pandemic. We will constantly evaluate planned mass gatherings as the situation evolves.

I will be making future policy decisions regarding indoor events planned for more than 250 people based on federal and state health officials’ guidance.

In addition, I am recommending that smaller gatherings, if they’re not essential, also be reconsidered.