BROWARD COUNTY, FL – As the number of COVID-19 cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations continue to rise, Broward County has increased its regulatory efforts and increase penalties for those who violate emergency orders.
Today, Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry issued Emergency Order 20-21, which is an all-inclusive order to clarify previous Emergency Orders. The Order is effective at 12:01 AM on Friday, July 10, 2020.
All businesses that violate local emergency orders will be forced to close for 24 hours after their first citation, with each subsequent citation incurring an additional 72 hours of closure (e.g. 96 hour closure after a second citation, 168 hour closure after a third citation etc.).
Additionally, restaurants and other food establishments must discontinue the on-premise consumption of food and alcoholic beverages between 10PM until 5AM. Take out, delivery, drive-through or pick up service will still be permitted.
“Broward County had hoped to continue reopening our economy further,” said Henry, “but the increase in social gatherings, and non-compliance by many to social distancing and facial covering requirements has resulted in a surge in COVID-19cases and a reduction in hospital capacity. These public safety actions are necessary to slow community spread. Compliance is key. If everyone will do their part, we can get back to reopening our economy. ”
Residents are urged to report business violations online at Mybroward.Broward.org or call 311. Both types of reports can be made anonymously. Code and law enforcement officers may shut down businesses that are in non-compliance. To track business violations in your community, visit Broward.org/Coronavirus.
