Miami-Dade mayor pushes back on DeSantis after Florida governor suspends COVID safety measures

05 May 2021

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Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (D) has responded to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' order suspending all state and local COVID-related safety measures and restrictions.

According to CBS Miami, Cava has made it clear that DeSantis' order will not include Miami-Dade County.

In a statement released on Tuesday, May 4, the Democratic mayor acknowledged that the state is still considered to be in a "public health emergency." Because of that, the local Miami-Dade County area will continue to endorse COVID mitigation measures with "masking, distancing, and disinfecting at all County spaces."

"We are still in a public health emergency and our economy has not fully rebounded from crisis. Miami-Dade County will continue to require key COVID safety precautions including masking, distancing, and disinfecting at all County spaces, including libraries, County parks, and County buildings," the mayor's statement read, in part. "A federal mask mandate remains in place for public transit, Miami International Airport, and PortMiami."

Cava's statement came just one day after DeSantis' press conference on Monday, May 3. Although Cava has attempted to push back against the governor's order, there is a bit of confusion surrounding the local announcement.

DeSantis' order actually "eliminates and supersedes any existing emergency order or ordinance issued by a county or municipality that imposes restrictions or mandates upon businesses or individuals due to the COVID-19 emergency."

So, it is unclear whether or not the mayor has the authority to continue to enforce COVID-related safety measures and restrictions in public county spaces. However, she did acknowledge the governor's executive order regarding businesses as she urged them to continue to practice safety while operating.

"According to the Governor's executive order, local businesses are no longer mandated to require COVID safety precautions including masking," she noted in her statement. "However, I urge our business community to continue to keep the fundamentals in place – masking, distancing, disinfecting, and staying home when sick – to protect all our residents and visitors."

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