Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez signs order opening indoor dining and casinos, with limited capacity

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez signed Emergency Order 28-20 on Friday, August 28, 2020 to allow for indoor dining, with limited capacity. In addition, this order allows for casino re-openings, with limited capacity. This order takes effect on Monday, August 31, 2020.

This order rescinds and replaces Emergency Orders 23, 24 and 26, along with all their amendments.

Restaurants will be allowed to offer indoor dining beginning Monday, August 31 at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of six people at a table, and strict adherence to the New Normal Guidelines of social distancing and the use of facial coverings when not eating or drinking. Restaurant facilities are required to run their HVAC systems with the fans “on” while people are in the establishment. In addition, doors must be propped open and windows must also be open to maximize the circulation of fresh air.

Under Order 28-20 casinos are no longer listed among the non-essential businesses that must remain closed. Therefore, casinos will also be allowed to re-open on Monday, August 31, with limited capacity following the same New Normal rules they previously followed, but adding the restriction that consumption of food and beverages can only happen in areas designated for eating. At the gaming tables and slot machines, there will be strict prohibition of food and drinks.

The limited re-opening of indoor dining and casinos was done in consultation with Miami-Dade County’s public health experts, with new, more stringent guidelines to maximize the safety of patrons and staff.

In addition, hospital reporting will be reduced to once a day, per Amendment 4 to Emergency Order 18-20.