Business Update for those Facing the Impact of COVID-19
Monday, March 16, 2020
The World Health Organization has classified the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic. With Governor Ron DeSantis, County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and the Miami Beach City Manager issuing emergency declarations – businesses are expected to feel the impact of recommendations for social distancing.
While the city has not imposed a total shutdown of restaurants, bars and clubs, it is not unlikely that some version of this may come into effect in the very near future. In preparation for this, please begin to organize and prepare for a scenario where restaurants are limited to take out and/or delivery service.
The City of Miami Beach is committed to working with our community businesses and stakeholders to keep everyone informed as this situation continues to unfold. Please find below the latest information on mandates/guidelines as well as businesses resources.
MANDATES
- Non-essential businesses citywide are required to close daily by 10 p.m. until further notice. This includes restaurants, bars, nightclubs and those businesses located with hotels.
- Restaurant/Hotel kitchens may remain open for at home or in-room delivery ONLY until midnight.
- Non-essential establishments must also decrease their capacity by 50% to create social distancing. This does not pertain to hotel occupants.
- Sidewalk cafes will be required to either reduce their capacity by 50% or by 50 people or less – whichever is less.
- Businesses excluded from this mandate include: pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations and automotive supply/repair centers.
- City-owned parking garages and surface lots citywide will only be open to residents with proof of residency and access card holders. Employees of businesses may use parking garages while working, but will only be granted access if dressed in work uniform or with a pay stub or other form of work identification.
- An 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for patrons is also being enforced in the city’s entertainment district. Please note this does not include business employees going to or from work.
- Lummus park and the beaches between 5 and 15 streets are closed.
- Please be advised that any violation of the emergency measures would subject the business entity to criminal penalties.
RESOURCES
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.
The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online here. Results from this survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Surveys submitted by small businesses can be used to access the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, made available for COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. For inquiries or assistance with the survey, businesses can contact Emergency Support Function 18 at ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital Loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans here.
Mom and Pop Small Business Grants
For more information on small business grant opportunities available through County Commissioner Higgins’ Office click here.
Business Preparedness Tools
To assist with the potential financial impact on your business, please visit the following link for information to help maintain the continuity of your operations: Business Pandemic Planning Checklist
It is important to keep your business and employees safe and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you to monitor the city’s page on coronavirus for the latest information, as the situation is rapidly changing.