BROWARD COUNTY, FL – County Administrator Bertha Henry issued Emergency Order 20-14 on Friday, May 29, which further addresses Phase 1 reopening guidelines to slightly expand beach activities, clarify the use of community rooms, allow for doubles racquet sports, expand massage establishment services beyond those medically necessary and allow tattoo establishments to open. The new Order takes effect on Monday, June 1 with the exception of the racquet sports provision, which took effect upon issuance.
Because COVID-19 remains a serious threat to public safety and it is important to not let our guard down, the social distancing, facial covering and sanitation requirements remain in place for all businesses that reopen, and all individuals who patronize them.
Enforcement is critical to the success of the reopening strategy, to ensure that a spike in new cases does not occur, which could result in another complete or partial shutdown. County and Health Department officials are monitoring benchmarks that will help identify the emergence of “hotspots” that can be quickly mitigated. Highlights of the new order include:
- Broward beaches are open to picnicking, sunbathing, sitting or lying on the beach. Umbrellas, canopies, chairs, loungers, and coolers are also now permitted. Certain restrictions outlined in Attachment 15 apply. For example, group or organized sports, such as volleyball, are not yet allowed; nor are group gatherings of more than 10 people. Beachgoers must maintain social distancing, including when in the water, except between members of the same household or group. Facial coverings must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained. Beach restrooms and showers must be sanitized at least every three hours. Equipment offered by concessionaires or beachfront hotels (e.g. chairs, loungers, bicycles) must be sanitized between each customer rental. Changing rooms, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and exercise equipment are to remain closed.
- Racquet sport facilities, including those located in parks, can now allow doubles. Tennis and pickleball courts are limited to a maximum of four people on the court at any one time. No groups of more than 10 people can congregate in one area.
- Tattoo and massage establishments may now operate consistent with Emergency Order 20-12 and must adhere to the guidelines for personal services, as outlined in Attachment 4.
All businesses are still strongly encouraged to perform remote operations whenever possible and allow employees to utilize telework or other remote working methods that permit social distancing.
Residents are asked to report violations anonymously online at MyBroward.Broward.org, or by calling the Broward County Call Center at 311 or your municipal code enforcement office. Law enforcement and code enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the requirements of the Emergency Order. Failure to comply can result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines, imprisonment or both.
The provisions of Emergency Order 20-14 define minimum standards in Broward County. Municipalities may establish more stringent measures within their jurisdiction, to the extent permitted by law. Residents should check with their municipality to ensure they are aware of local requirements.
Broward County has been under a Local State of Emergency since March 10. For the latest updates, visit FloridaHealth.gov, email COVID-19@flhealth.gov or call the COVID Call Center at 954-357-9500. To learn what Broward County is doing to keep our community safe, visit Broward.org/Coronavirus.
DATE: May 29, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Ric Barrick, Assistant Director
Office of Public Communications
PHONE: 954-357-8541
EMAIL: rbarrick@broward.org
