Five Things to Know About Visiting Oakland Park, Florida During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Every year, millions of tourists flock to Oakland Park, Florida to take in the city’s great culinary arts scene, visit some of the area beaches, or unwind in the city’s relaxing atmosphere. This year, however, visitors need to be extra careful as the Coronavirus Pandemic has hit Florida – and Broward County where Oakland Park is located – particularly hard. 

According to the Florida Department of Health, there have been 67,193 confirmed coronavirus cases in Broward County and a total of 1025 deaths. To combat the spread of the coronavirus, local officials in Broward County and Oakland Park have issued a number of rules and guidelines. Before visiting, it is important to know the latest regulations. To help you stay up to date, here are five things to know about visiting Oakland Park, Florida during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Masks Are Required in Broward County

If you are planning to visit Oakland Park, you will need to make sure you pack masks. Starting back on July 10th, the county issued Emergency Order 20-21 which declared that masks were mandatory in both public and private settings including areas where social distancing is not possible. The mask requirement also comes with a fine if you fail to wear one, starting at $500.

There Are COVID Testing Sites If You Need to be Tested

During your stay in Oakland Park, if you become sick and/or suspect you might have the coronavirus, you can be tested at one of the nine walk-up and drive-thru testing sites that are scattered throughout the county. For more information on the location and hours of the sites, you can visit floridadisaster.org. 

Tennis is Open, Playgrounds are Closed

While you are enjoying Oakland Park, there is a good chance you will want to take in some of the city’s beautiful parks and recreation centers. Before you do so, it’s important to know what is open and what is not. For example, tennis and pickleball courts throughout the city have reopened and are available. 

However, other places like parks with playgrounds, pavilions, and other areas where the ability to social distance is limited, have remained closed. Use your best judgment and follow all applicable signage when venturing out to any of the city’s parks.

Keep Things Moving

If you do plan to visit a park in Oakland Park, you need to be aware of usage regulations and guidelines. For now, the city is allowing “passive” use of some parks. That means select parks are open to walking, jogging, biking, and launching kayaks. Beyond those activities, all other use of parks is currently prohibited.

You Can Report Businesses that Violate County Guidelines

Stopping the spread of the coronavirus and keeping everyone safe is only possible if everyone works together. While you are visiting Oakland Park, if you see a business that is repeatedly breaking county rules and guidelines, you can report them by visiting Mybroward.broward.org or by calling 311.

Safely Visiting Oakland Park

Oakland Park is a beautiful city and a haven for tourists. If residents and visitors alike can follow the latest county safety regulations and guidelines we can all enjoy a safe and simple return to normal life when the pandemic passes. For now, wear a mask, get tested right away if you have symptoms, and use parks and recreation centers wisely. Of course, it is also wise to wash hands regularly and practice social distancing.