Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez issues Executive Order 20-20 requiring masks

Today Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez signed Executive Order 20-20 requiring the use of facial coverings by people working in or visiting grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible. This order goes into effect as of 11:59 p.m. on April 9, 2020.

Following guidelines set by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, this Order requires the use of any facial covering that snugly covers the face and mouth, whether store-bought or homemade, and is secured with ties or ear loops. Examples of compliant home-made masks may be found here.

People should not use N95-rated masks, since these are critical supplies for health care workers, police, fire, emergency management, or other people engaged in life/safety activities. Everyone wearing masks should review the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines regarding safe application, removal and cleaning of masks.

Masks are not be required for children younger than two years old or anyone who has trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition.

“I want to remind everyone that while wearing masks can help for close encounters, you must continue to practice social distancing,” Mayor Gimenez said. “We do not want anyone to have a false sense of security by solely wearing a mask.

“Even people who feel perfectly healthy and are wearing masks can transmit COVID-19, so everyone, keep your distance of at least six feet and, please, do everything within your power to stay ‘Safer at Home’!”

The provisions of EO 20-20 are the minimum standards required by the County. Municipalities may impose more stringent standards within their jurisdictions, as permitted by law.

For the County’s most recent COVID-19 updates, go to miamidade.gov/coronavirus.