Miami Beach is launching a new accelerated COVID-19 contact tracing program to help hotels, restaurants and other businesses keep employees and patrons safe.
The "Race to Trace" initiative will provide businesses with a dedicated strike team of seasoned contact tracers from the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, city officials said Tuesday.
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The aim of the program is to alleviate the burden that business owners and managers face by quickly responding to COVID-19 issues as they arise.
“Our hospitality industry has gamely addressed these challenges but needs tools better suited to its unique profile,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said in a statement. "This partnership will elevate our contact tracing efforts to give us the best opportunity to cabin this virus and provide a safer environment for our guests and workers."
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on tourism and nightlife in South Beach, with many businesses just trying to stay afloat.
Miami Beach has had more than 5,800 confirmed COVID-19 cases dating back to March, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The new program is being funded under a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation.
