The Miami-Dade Youth Fair is an event that thousands of people look forward to every year. It has been held between the months of March and April since 1952, ranked the #1 fair in Florida. The Youth Fair invites the local community to join in on the fun of 100 rides and rollercoasters: food stands, games, exhibitions, shows, concerts, and competitions.
This year, the Youth Fair is set to take place from March 12th to April 5th, 2020. With the fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading, many constituents are wondering if it would be safe to attend the event at all.
The virus began to raise concerns within the city when the Governor of Florida, Ron De Santis, declared a Public Health Emergency after two cases of COVID-19 were discovered in two separate counties up-state. Since then, the Florida Department of Health has reported two deaths and 26 cases of the virus.
Miami Officials have taken precautionary measures and postponed events like the Ultra Music Festival and Calle Ocho for an entire year to ensure the safety of the people. By eliminating large social gatherings, the spread of viral infection can be avoided.
Preparations for the 69th annual Youth Fair have begun and the organizers of the event have no plans of postponing it at all. The Fair’s President Eddie Cora told WSVN that they are taking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of any virus. Cora stated, “Our safety plan every year centers around the guests making sure they have a good time, they feel safe and they leave safe.”. The event organizers have prepared to set up over 150 sanitizing stations and 253 washing stations around the fairgrounds.
As of Wednesday, March 12th, 2020, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has postponed all mass gatherings in the county including the Miami-Dade Youth Fair.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that people wash their hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. They also recommend that people avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.