While much of the business world operated normally the day after the COVID-19 virus was called a global pandemic, an increasing number of events were being canceled on Thursday.
Among them was the Palm Beach International Boat Show, which posted a note on its website that the show would be postponed until further notice.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez also declared a state of emergency.
“Although we do not have community spread at this time, we want to take the preemptive steps to keep it that way. Therefore, I have decided to suspend the operation of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair, the Miami Open tennis tournament, the MIA 5K run, and all major events at the American Airlines Arena. The March 22 NASCAR race at the Homestead Miami Speedway is postponed at this time. NASCAR officials will decide whether or not to hold the race without fans,” Gimenez said.
Gimenez said his office would continue to evaluate mass gatherings. “I will be making future policy decisions regarding indoor events planned for more than 250 people based on federal and state health officials’ guidance,” Gimenez said.
On March 10th, Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry declared a Local State of Emergency and the Emergency Operations Center was partially activated. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 9 declared a state of emergency in the state as well.
On Wednesday night, the Trump administration announced a 30-day suspension of travel into the U.S. from 26 European countries. The suspension does not apply to U.S. residents.
Sanitation practices have been heightened at Miami International Airport
The Miami-Dade Aviation Department said it was coordinating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration in order to manage airport operations and ensure the safety of passengers and employees. It was also stepping up sanitizing and cleaning.
The New York Post and other media outlets reported Thursday that a passenger on a flight from New York to West Palm Beach tested positive for the virus.
On Wednesday night, the NBA announced it would suspend games league wide after a player with the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus. On Thursday, the National Hockey League suspended its season and Major League Baseball canceled spring training and postponed the start of the regular season for at least two weeks.
New York’s mayor banned gatherings of more than 500 people, which is limiting audiences on Broadway. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts website said local officials had not stopped gatherings. The website for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County said shows would go on. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach had a letter from the CEO outlining enhanced sanitation measures.
Gulfstream Park also outlined enhanced sanitation efforts and was keeping some doors open so attendees wouldn’t have to touch them.
Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corp., announced it would pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months. The cruise line has had widely publicized incidents of coronavirus on its ships. Shares of cruise ship companies continued to be hammered in trading on Thursday.
In Fort Lauderdale, the Museum of Discovery & Science’s 25th Annual Wine, Culinary & Spirits Celebration presented by Bank of America has been postponed. All tickets, ticket packages and sponsorships will be honored once the event is rescheduled, a press release said.
Clickorlando.com reported that theme parks in Orlando continued to remain open.
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