For your safety and our: stay home, no congregating in any area, wear a mask, social distancing

Message from the Mayor: Be Part of the Solution

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor

(July 30, 2020) – When you look back on this time in two, five or 10 years, how do you want your actions to be remembered? We have the opportunity to take one of two paths: accepting personal responsibility and doing everything in our power to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or placing self-indulgent attitudes above the welfare of our family, neighbors and community

You can debate about opinions of masks and curfews. But the fact is the number of cases in Florida is increasing, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus is increasing, and the death rate is increasing. Miami-Dade County accounts for nearly 25% of Florida’s cases, the highest total in the State. The stay-at-home order and business closures back in March and April were implemented to keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed with critical cases. It worked then, but when we reopened just over one month later, the number of cases jumped dramatically. Now, nearly 20% of tests in the County are being reported as positive, and the County has only 30% total and ICU bed capacity available.

Some might see the case number by cities and note that Sunny Isles Beach has a significantly lower number than most of the cities in the County. But as I have mentioned before, this number might actually be 10 times higher. Our city is not only frequented by residents. Those who work, shop or vacation here might unknowingly be asymptomatic and unintentionally spread the virus to both residents and non-residents of Sunny Isles Beach. The goal of the restrictions and closures is to keep the collective safe, not just ourselves.

With a virus as new as COVID-19, much uncertainty lies in the future impacts for those who recover. The long-term effects are unquestionably unknown. Which is why the small steps such as practicing social distancing, wearing your facial covering, and avoiding crowded activities are so important. You might be unconcerned about contracting the virus, but think about your community and keeping them safe. Do you know someone working in a hospital? In a grocery store? Delivering packages? These are essential workers on the front lines. Stay home and wear a mask to keep them safe.

Wouldn’t you rather know you had a positive impact on someone’s health by doing something so simple as wearing a mask, than to look back in 10 years and realize you propelled the problem? Let’s be part of the solution.