Statement from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on closing senior community centers starting Monday

As Miami-Dade County deals with the public health threat of COVID-19, we are prioritizing the protection of our senior citizens because they are at highest risk of severe symptoms if they are infected by this particular strain of the Coronavirus.

Today, under the powers granted by the emergency declaration I signed last night, I have ordered the closure of community centers that serve seniors effective Monday. Deputy Mayor Maurice Kemp is working with advocates for the elderly to finalize the logistics to ensure those seniors who get congregate meals at senior community centers will be delivered meals and provided other essential services at home.

Although we do not have community spread at this time, we want to take the preemptive steps to keep it that way.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that people over age 60 and anyone with the following conditions are at highest risk:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Cancer

As we move forward together, we will continue to monitor what the WHO has determined is a global pandemic.

I will be making future policy decisions based on the latest recommendations from the WHO, the CDC and the Florida Department of Health. By being proactive and working together at all levels, we will help ensure the health of our community and the most vulnerable among us, our seniors.