On December 31, 2020, County Mayor Dave Kerner gave an update at the Emergency Operations Center on local COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Joining him were Vice Mayor Robert Weinroth, Commissioners Gregg Weiss and Maria Sachs, Dr. Alina Alonso, director of the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County and County Administrator Verdenia Baker. This is Day 290 of Level 2 activation at the EOC. A local state of emergency has been issued for the 43rd time.

Pursuant to direction from Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Health and local health departments are responsible for receipt and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Palm Beach County staff members are working closely with the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County to distribute the vaccine. “We're going to do seniors first, in accordance with the governor's priorities," said Mayor Kerner.

Rollout - Local efforts will be in addition to the direct rollouts of the vaccine by the state or direct deliveries by federal agencies or contractors. Local strategies will include designated locations that will be accessible by walk-up and/or drive-up. Plans for these operations are being finalized with incremental startups expected early in January.

King's Point - On Wednesday, Governor DeSantis was at King's Point in Delray Beach observing a Florida Department of Health vaccination operation; a total of 407 seniors (age 65 and older) were inoculated. This is the type of operation our partners will be rolling out in coordination with HOA's and other community groups.

Appointments – Appointment hotlines have been overloaded. The Florida Department of Health-PBC is expanding its phone line capacity and is taking appointments via email. “Please do not panic," said Dr. Alonso. “We will call you back and make sure that we have a vaccine for you." COVID-19 for Palm Beach County Information Page

New Year's Eve - Residents are advised not to go out to ring in the New Year. But if you decide to, be sure to mask up and maintain a safe social distance at all times. Please continue to avoid the 3 Cs: close spaces; crowded spaces; confined/enclosed spaces.

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