What does the “new normal” mean in Miami?
Until the end of September, Gov. De Santis gave the order to lift all COVID-19 imposed restrictions on businesses across Florida. In case you were wondering, this does not mean to go back to the world we lived in before “coronavirus” was in our dictionary. Basically, Gov De Santis actions have two effects: the first one, all restaurants and businesses, can operate to full capacity, and no federal rules are in place. The second one is that despite the official ruling, counties are still asking their citizens to follow the CDC guidelines, basically social distancing and the use of facial masks.
· In Miami County, the following measures apply for all businesses:
• All employees need to take COVID-related training.
• Common areas must be disinfected, and hand sanitizer must be available at crucial spots.
• Social distancing is encouraged.
• In case of employees contracting COVID, the Florida Department of Health must be notified immediately.

· In Broward County, the following measures apply for all businesses:
• Banquet facilities can operate as long as they do not exceed a 100 people capacity.
• High-school games and other non-professional sports activities can perform.
• Children under 17 can now be grouped together in groups larger than 10 at daycare facilities
• Food establishments and bars can have games –such as billiard- operating inside the facility.
• Restaurants and bars are allowed to have a live performance, as long as social distancing is enforced.
The county still holds an 11 pm to 6 am curfew; however, kitchens are open to delivery services and take out.
The “new normal” also implies that the state is ready to revisit some of the activities closed during the pandemic months; it also means events have been customized to fit the times. Here’s a brief taste of what´s coming to Miami during Fall Season:
• Drive-through Pumpkin patch in Miami. This event will occur at Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center, University Park, from Oct 3, 2020-Oct 31, 2020. There will be an interactive storytime, some pumpkin patch, and an alley for safe trick or treating. Families are encouraged to be in costumes.
• Zoo Run 5k. from Oct 2 2020-Oct 11 2020. As classes and family gatherings, many sports events have also turned virtual, and this famous annual fundraiser is not the exception. Zoo Miami´s yearly fundraiser encourages participants to track their times and share the results online for prizes and more. Other virtual events include the JazzAid Live from the Banyan Bowl.
As we gear up for another phase –hopefully, the last one! –of this worldwide pandemic, Miami county and others in the state, carefully begin to awake. It is time to reflect on what we´ve been through, start living our lives and experience the fantastic things Florida has to offer, always following the official guidelines. Let´s spread the good vibes and live our “new normal” the Miami-way! Hello Autumn!

Thanks to @shotsbydre_ on Instagram for tagging us on our Featured photo.