96 Hours in Miami: Traveling During a Pandemic
By: Jasmine Cuza
Travelers maintaining social distancing and wearing masks at Miami International Airport.
Photo by Jasmine Cuza
The rise of COVID-19 has put a pause on lives across the globe, with Miami, Fla. being the hotspot for many spring and summer destinations some wonder if the city will take precautions during summer activities. Miami has been declared the new epicenter of COVID-19 as of Jul. 22, 2020. Cases have skyrocketed and they officially surpassed the cases of COVID-19 in New York. Miami Dade County has made efforts to control the spread especially with new travelers coming into the city. Airport regulations have increased security and have advised anybody traveling into the city are required to wear a mask at all times. The mayor of Miami Dade County has also put into effect fining individuals who fail to wear a mask. Law enforcement will not hesitate to fine the people of Miami this summer $500. If the citizens fail to abide by these rules, the fine will go up to $1,200 and jail time will also be a consequence. There have also been strict curfews placed around the city and businesses have been forced to shut their doors or make new arrangements. In a statement given by Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime of Miami, he states,
"As record-breaking numbers of coronavirus cases emerge throughout the state, I urge all residents to help slow the spread of this deadly virus.”
He hopes that the citizens of Miami will cooperate and help bring down the cases this summer as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season as well.
Miami International Airport inside The Sky Train
Photo by Jasmine Cuza
When landing in Miami, the airport has made efforts to maintain social distancing between passengers exiting the planes. Passengers are escorted off the plane by rows to prevent crowding. Flight attendants encourage each passenger to keep their face masks on and have hand sanitizer wipes which they pass off to each individual exiting the plane. The passengers then step in line for The Sky Train which takes them to the front of the airport so they can exit. The Sky Train is small, compacted and will only permit 30 individuals at a time to ride it. Inside the train, there is a hand sanitizer and mask dispenser. Airport staff clean and wipe down each of the seats inside each train cart before passengers arrived. In front of the airport, there are security guards regulating people entering the building, and those who refuse to wear a mask are prohibited from stepping foot onto the premises.
Photo by Jasmine Cuza
There are many owners still operating their businesses for this summer’s tourists. They have also contributed to updating their regulations to keep people safe while doing these activities. The employees of the rental boats and water activities explained that you are required to wear a mask in the ports but not on the boats or water activities. Even with the strict lockdown of the city, many of the companies who depend on these ports refused to shut down. Especially, for the summer where many tourists flock their businesses for water activities. The water sports activities company has newly updated regulations and now it is only one family/group per activity. Some of the activities you can still do while social distancing out in the water: kayaking, tubing, jet skiing and water surfing. The company keeps their part of the dock clean and soaks all their used life jackets and equipment in a disinfectant water bath. They take all the kayaks and jet skis and park them in separate areas where they are deep cleaned. The boating companies only allow one family at a time on their boats and require all crew on the boats to wear their masks at all times. The boats are then parked at the docks and deep cleaned as well.
Murals across the buildings in North West Miami
Photo by Jasmine Cuza
With the majority of museums and art galleries closed due to COVID-19, one thing that remains open that has gained attraction from tourists are the murals throughout the city. While visiting Miami, visitors from all over the world can take photos in front of these works of art painted by street artists. These murals tell stories of immigration and political arguments in the country and community. There are murals on every corner and posted on buildings such as hair salons, liquor stores and thrift shops.
With the summer season in session and the city under strict order, the mayor hopes to control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the cases from rising. There is still plenty to do in Miami while maintaining social distancing and staying healthy.