Coronavirus Update: Homeless sent to hotels; Dade, Broward excluded from state reopening plan

The City of Miami has announced two new small business assistance programs: the Business Continuity Micro-enterprise Assistance Program and the Small Business Emergency Loan Assistance Program. Both will be accepting applications starting Monday, May 4 at noon. These programs will provide thousands of dollars in loans and grants to qualified, for-profit businesses.

City of Miami residents can also access the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program, which will provide residents with one-month rental and utility assistance to low income and recently unemployed residents.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a feature available titled “Self Checker.” This quick guide is designed to help those who are unclear about steps to take and decisions regarding COVID-19.

WLRN and the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported homeless people will be provided will shelter in a hotel in Fort Lauderdale for 30 days to reduce the risk of infection.

A pug named Winston in North Carolina might be the first dog to test positive for coronavirus. National reports say the McLean family, Winton’s owners, have three family members who have contracted COVID-19. The family found out about their dog after they participated in a study by Duke University.

The state of Florida will enter Phase 1 of its reopening plan on Monday. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced during a news conference. It includes the opening of restaurants, libraries and museums at reduced capacity. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties will be excluded from this process. It will begin on Monday.

Multimedia story of the day: Pew Research Center shows evidence that those who consume news through social media are more likely to find misinformation about the pandemic.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Monica is working on her broadcast journalism bachelor's degree. She loves to write and is passionate about sports, the art of interviewing and strives to become an on-air sports talent. She produces digital content and is a social media manager.

Andrea Igliozzi is a journalist originally from Caracas, Venezuela. From politics to arts, she has a passion for telling well-founded stories through video and multimedia platforms. She is qualified in front and behind the cameras.