There will be a new normal. Boards cannot simply flip a switch to bring them back to Jan. 2020 operations. by Donna DiMaggio of Becker
There will be a new normal. Boards cannot simply flip a switch to bring them back to Jan. 2020 operations.
by Donna DiMaggio Esq. of Becker
There is no reason that permanent sanitizer stations shouldn’t remain in place in high traffic areas including near front desks, in elevators and near access screens.
The days of having dozens of lounge chairs at the pool and tightly packed gyms should be over.
Boards may start using a reservation system for certain amenities to better enforce social distancing.
Boards who have been lax in the past about prohibiting dual usage by unit owners and their tenants should tighten up those restrictions.
Unauthorized short-term rental activity and guest usage should also be scrutinized to reduce density in the common areas.
The days of having an open door policy in the Association office should likely cease.
Some residents like to congregate in the association office for a variety of reasons but that activity was not terribly helpful in ordinary times let alone now.
Inquiries can be handled via email, phone or by attending a meeting.
Digitizing association records to conduct online document inspections as well as holding online votes will not only maximize your efficiencies but can reduce the disputes which erupt with traditional voting, inspection and meeting protocols.
Here’s what you need to know to live through the coronavirus crisis in South Florida
South Florida continues to be under movement restrictions due to efforts to control the spread of the new coronavirus. Although the state began on May 4 to open in phases, South Florida will have to wait longer due to higher rates of infections and deaths. Here are the key things you need to know about the situation.
Working and getting out
- BUSINESS THAT MUST REMAIN CLOSED: Non-essential businesses in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties remain under shutdown orders. The statewide shutdown order is being lifted in phases, but excludes South Florida. We put together a complete list of businesses considered “essential” that may remain open.
- FACE MASKS: Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties have all ordered face masks to be worn by customers and employees in grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores that are allowed to be open during the shutdown orders. Businesses are expected to enforce the rules and could face penalties if they do not.
- CURFEWS: Although some cities have started to lift curfews imposed in March, several remain in effect with exceptions being made only for those traveling to and from work or for essential needs. Broward County: Hallandale Beach between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Palm Beach County: Town of Palm Beach between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Miami-Dade County: Key Biscayne between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; Miami Beach between midnight and 5 a.m.; North Miami Beach between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; and the city of Miami between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- STAY-HOME ORDERS: South Florida’s three counties technically remain under stay-home orders except for essential travel. But some outdoor activities are being allowed to resume. See “recreational activities” below for more information.
- CANCELED EVENTS: With an order prohibiting public gatherings of 10 or more people, nearly all events have been canceled or postponed.
- RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Although religious services are exempt from the state’s order closing businesses, the Archdiocese of Miami and the Diocese of Palm Beach suspended Masses and liturgical events. The Miami archdiocese also shut down various drive-through confessionals that some parishes started offering. The Chabad Of South Broward advised that most minyanim are not currently meeting. Many local churches and houses of worship have transitioned to online prayers, meditation posts and services. Check with your local church or religious provider for updates.
- TRANSPORTATION: Brightline, the higher-speed rail between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, suspended service until further notice beginning March 26. Tri-Rail announced it would trim back its schedule but suspend fares on all its trains beginning March 28. Several airlines including American, United and JetBlue have cut back the number of flights between South Florida and New York City-area airports. Spirit Airlines, based in Miramar, completely suspended flights to the area. Most major airlines are now requiring masks to be worn at all times in terminals and airplanes.
Recreational activities
- PARKS: County parks in South Florida reopened on April 30 with social distancing rules in place, along with bans on groups of 10 or more. Most cities also opened their parks with some exceptions. See the complete city-by-city list of park openings here.
- STATE PARKS: State parks around Florida started to reopen May 4 in phases, with the exception of those in South Florida including Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach and Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach.
- BEACHES: All beaches in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties remain closed, even to casual strollers. Beaches in other parts of the state have started to reopen with restrictions.
- BOATING: South Florida’s counties began opening boat ramps and marinas on April 29. Congregations on sand bars remain prohibited.
- GOLF COURSES: South Florida’s counties as well as most cities have now allowed golf courses to open with restrictions on group size and use of golf carts.
- GYMS, THEATERS, ARCADES: All are included in the business closure orders that were issued in South Florida’s three counties and are being enforced by cities. Concert venues, auditoriums, movie theaters and playhouses are also closed.
- CASINOS: South Florida casinos — including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, the Seminole Classic in Hollywood, just south of the Hard Rock, the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek and the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming casino — are closed until further notice.
- FLORIDA KEYS: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that the Florida Keys are closed to all tourists and visitors because of the coronavirus. Although some beaches have begun to reopen, the Keys are closed to visitors.
- CRUISES: The three major cruise lines that sail out of South Florida have suspended service at least into the summer.
Schools and colleges
- PRE-K AND K-12 SCHOOLS: Schools across Florida are closed for the remainder of the school year. Classes and graduations are being held virtually.
- COLLEGES: Public and private colleges and universities have closed or moved to online classes. On-campus events are part of the state-wide ban on large gatherings. Graduation ceremonies for state colleges have also been canceled.
Eating and shopping
- BARS, RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS: Bars and nightclubs are closed, and restaurants are closed to dining. But many eateries are open for takeout and delivery. We have been compiling a list of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade eateries offering takeout and delivery. All food-delivery apps are waiving delivery fees until further notice.
- GROCERY STORES: Supermarket across South Florida are changing their hours as well as designating certain days and times exclusively for senior citizens or people at higher risk of coronovirus. In addition, all three South Florida counties are requiring customers and employees to wear face masks at all times in the stores.
- FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS: Public schools in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties are providing free meals at selected locations on days that school would have otherwise been in session. Broward County: Breakfast is available 8-10 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select schools. Palm Beach County: 35 schools will distribute free meals this week Monday through Thursday, and can receive Friday’s meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for two meals each day. Meals and are free to anyone under 18 years of age regardless of financial need. Miami-Dade: Students and families may pick up hot meals to go, both breakfast and lunch, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Help with finances
- HOW TO GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We won’t lose our homes because of the coronavirus crisis. Our power won’t be shut off. And we’re not going to go hungry. Financial services companies, nonprofit relief programs, utilities and government assistance agencies are offering ways to help consumers get through layoffs, business interruptions and self quarantines.
- HELP FOR RESTAURANT WORKERS: Restaurant workers have been hit hard by the coronavirus crises, particularly here in South Florida, a resort region and tourist destination known globally for being a foodie paradise. But there are efforts here to ease the burden facing kitchen staff, servers, bartenders and others.
Staying safe
- WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SICK: If you wake up with a cough or fever and are worried you have coronavirus, you have several options. In Florida, as in other states, hospitals and doctors have been primed on how to screen patients who come into their offices or the Emergency Department with symptoms. Only people who have severe symptoms should go to a hospital. If your symptoms are mild, call your doctor or the health department to get an appointment for a test. Some local test sites can now get results in up to 15 minutes with rapid tests but will turn away people without appointments.
- WHERE TO FIND TESTING SITES: Drive-thru testing sites are being set up at locations around South Florida. Testing may be limited to individuals who meet the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines: Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions who have fever, cough or any type of respiratory distress; any people — including healthcare workers — who within 14 days of symptom onset had contact with a suspected or confirmed coronavirus patient; and any people with history of travel from an affected area or an area with community spread. Here is complete list of testing sites in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
Kaye Bender Rembaum attorneys Michael S. Bender and Jeffrey A. Rembaum will be a part of a panel discussion presented by Castle Group, in Episode 2 of “Association Continuity and Other COVID-19 Concerns.” There will be a special focus on the re-opening of community amenities.
Kaye Bender Rembaum, Attorneys at Law
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