In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the town of Miami Lakes announced four emergency orders Thursday afternoon.
The goal of the orders is to limit the number of people in the streets and slow transmission of the COVID-19 virus, a severe respiratory disease that has left 34 dead in Florida and sickened four people in town, according to numbers released by the state Friday morning.
The state of emergency ordered by Town Manager Edward Pidermann on March 12 was extended until April 2.
Pidermann also declared a “safer at home” policy that mandates residents stay at their properties during a 5 p.m. press conference at town hall Thursday.
“This order requires that these measures be taken and that residents remain at home,” Pidermann said. “We do not intend for the enforcement of this order to be heavy handed. All residents have been extremely cooperative with our police officers up to this point.”
As reports this week that there were people ill from the coronavirus in Miami Lakes, Pidermann said it was not unexpected because neighboring municipalities already had cases.
There were 84 cases in Hialeah, a city where many Miami Lakers have close ties; 19 in Miami Gardens and nine in Opa-Locka, the state said Friday.
Pidermann also set guidelines for public meetings to be held virtually, over the internet, with remote public access.
And as of Friday morning, town hall will be closed to the public. Employees will work from home.
Pidermann said he was not setting a curfew.
As for the “safe at home” order, going out is allowed for the following reasons:
--Employment in essential retail and commercial activities;
--Outdoor recreation allowed if people remain six feet apart;
--Religious activities;
--Caring for someone outside the home;
--Working in repair services; sanitation and extermination; housekeeping, pool services.
--Employment by the government, police and fire service.
Once the municipal center is closed, anyone who has business with the town can dial the main number -- 305-364-6100 -- and a receptionist will forward callers to a staffer’s cellphone.
Town parks will remain closed and programming and athletic competitions are canceled.
The building department will see the most changes, Pidermann said.
New permit applications and inspections are on hold until April 13.
Active permit work may continue unless a future emergency declaration is issued that includes construction sites.
The town will accept third party professional inspection certifications for all required, in-progress inspections. Final Inspections, certificates of occupancy and certificates of completion may be requested on or after April 13.
Inspections may be requested via eTRAKit on the town website for after April 13, unless town hall remains closed after than date.
Complaints about code violations may be made on the town app; via email at Codecomplaince@miamilakes-fl.gov or by phone.
Cases will be opened and followed up on once normal operations are resumed.
Requests for zoning verification letters or administrative site plan reviews will be accepted until after April 13.
General questions about zoning may be sent to EndaraF@miamilakes-fl.gov.