Florida Leads the Nation in New Covid-19 Cases

It seems that Florida is leading the United States in new cases of Covid-19. This past Saturday and Sunday saw 3,494 and 4,049 new cases respectively; with 21,723 new cases from Sunday to Sunday, the highest in a one-week period since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Governor Ron DeSantis attributes the sudden spike in cases to more widely available tests. South Florida also holds 54% of the state’s Covid-19 related fatalities, totaling 1,725. Nationwide there have been nearly 2.3 million cases with nearly 120,000 deaths.

What precautions can i take?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a cloth facial covering in circumstances where social distancing is difficult to maintain such as in a grocery or a pharmacy. This is particularly important given that people may be asymptomatic (lacking any symptoms) and may be unknowingly spreading Covid-19. Please visit the CDC website for more information.

What this means for me and my business?

With all of this uncertainty and increased rate of people contracting Covid-19, you may be worried how it will affect your business which has reopened in part due to the passing of Phase 1 and Phase 2. Whether you are a landlord or hotel/motel owner who recently rented your property and is concerned they may seek a refund to a store owner who is concerned about the effects of customers not maintaining adequate social distancing; the attorneys at G&R Law are able to assist you in ensuring your business is one step closer to recovery.  G&R Law will work with you during these trying times and within your financial means to help you and your business recover from the effects of Covid-19.

Please click on the link to contact G&R Law to set up your free of charge telephonic or video appointment

Stay safe during these trying times.

David Vega, Esq.

Protests over death of George Floyd spill out into Miami and Broward

On May 25, 2020, Memorial Day, George Floyd died while in police custody. Office Derek Chauvin was charged with third degree murder and second degree manslaughter in his death, only after a series of protests took place in Minneapolis. Recommended sentencing guidelines are 12 1/2 years for the charge of third degree murder and 4 years for the second degree manslaughter charge. A series of protests has hence been sparked throughout the country, including major cities such as New York, D.C., Houston, Portland and even Miami.

Curfew in Effect

Saturday and Sunday saw mass protests, a blockage of I-95 and rampant looting throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. A curfew was in effect Saturday night, May 30, 2020, commencing at 10:00 p.m. On Sunday, May 31, 2020, a curfew was in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The curfew could likely be extended further if warranted.

EFFECT OF PROTESTS ON COVID-19 QUARANTINE

Due to the protests which occurred over the weekend; Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez issued a statement on May 21, 2020, in which he decided to postpone the opening of the beaches until the curfew order is lifted. “In addition, I will be updating the emergency order to extend the hours of the curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective Sunday, May 31st, until the order is lifted. Cities can have stricter rules. For instance, the City of Miami curfew begins at 8 p.m.” Apartment pools, private pools and condominium/home owner association managed pools may open June 1, 2020.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ME?

With all of this unrest and added uncertainty, you may be worried how it will affect your business. Whether you are a landlord or hotel/motel owner who recently rented your property to vacationers who may now be seeking a refund due to the beaches not reopening on June 1, 2020 as initially intended or whether your business was attacked and looted; the attorneys at G&R Law are able to assist you in ensuring your business is one step closer to recovery.  G&R Law will work with you during these trying times and within your financial means to help you and your business recover from the effects of any violent protesters and Covid-19.

Please click on the link to contact G&R Law and set up your free of charge telephonic or video appointment.

Stay safe during these trying times.

David Vega, Esq.

Florida to Partially Reopen Amidst Covid-19

Governor Ron de Santis has issued Executive Order 20-112 which commences Phase 1 of his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Stop Plan” to reopen the State of Florida. While the plan is light on the details, the following locations are remaining closed or reopening with restrictions:

AFFECTED BUSINESSES

  • Restaurants can reopen with 25% capacity indoors and outdoor seating will be allowed, all with social-distancing of at least 6 feet and only seating parties of 10 or few people. Bar counters shall remain closed.
  • Bars, pubs and nightclubs that derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall continue to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
  • Gyms and fitness centers shall remain closed.
  • Vacation rentals shall remain prohibited.
  • In-store retail centers can operate at 25% of indoor capacity, so long as they continue to abide with the safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA.
  • Both outpatient and inpatient elective surgeries will restart statewide.
  • Museums and libraries can open at 25% of capacity only if their local government allows it. Interactive exhibits shall remain closed.

Enforcement

Any violation of this order shall constitute a second-degree misdemeanor pursuant to section 252.50, Florida Statutes, and is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days, a fine not to exceed $500, or both.

What should I EXPECT NOW?

As a Florida resident, employee, potential business owner and/or consumer, you are probably now considering the pros and cons of attempting to return to your regular, pre-Covid-19 life. Rest assured, whether it be interpreting a lease, negotiating with your lender for a loan modification or ensuring your business is compliant with these new and ever changing regulations due to the coronavirus, you should speak with an attorney to see which options work best for your specific situation.

The attorneys at G&R Law are able to assist you and will work with you during these trying times and within your financial means to ensure you are able to take your first steps towards recovering from the effects of Covid-19. 

Please click on the link to contact G&R Law and book your free of charge telephonic or virtual appointment. 

Stay safe during these trying times. 

David Vega, Esq.