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*New* VIDEO UPDATE: SECOND PALM BEACH COUNTY TESTING SITE OPENS IN DELRAY BEACH
Palm Beach County Leaders and State Representatives discuss the second COVID-19 testing site at the South County Civic Center Tuesday afternoon during a press conference. 

LATEST OPERATIONAL UPDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY

PBC ORDERS, ACTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

*New* South Palm Beach County COVID-19 Testing Site at South County Civic Center
During the first day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19  at the South County Civic Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida tested 138 patients. The Cleveland Clinic Florida COVID-19 Screening Center representatives scheduled all 250 appointments for Wednesday and have scheduled 146 for Thursday.

Appointments can be made at 561-804-0250. You must call to be screened and confirm an appointment time.

*New* Health Care District of Palm Beach County's Seventh Day of Drive-thru Testing for
4-7-20: During the seventh day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Palm Beach County, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County's C. L. Brumback Primary Clinics tested 284 patients at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.  There were 26 patients who did not show for their scheduled appointments. The average age of the patients tested was 49.  Eight children were tested and the youngest patient was two-and-a-half years old.  Test results are beginning to be received and patients whose results are in will be notified.

The Health Care District's COVID-19 Screening Center representatives scheduled just over 600 appointments for COVID-19 drive-thru testing for Thursday within the first hour of opening the phone lines today. Representatives screen callers for symptoms prior to registering and scheduling the patient. By 11 a.m. today, based on the number of remaining test kits, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County booked all available drive-thru appointments and the call center temporarily stopped taking calls. Appointments beyond Thursday will depend upon the receipt of additional testing kits which are not certain at this time. If more test kits are received overnight, the hotline will reopen tomorrow to schedule appointments for Friday. 

The Health Care District's C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics' staff conducting the testing, along with on-site Palm Beach County staff and members of the Florida Army National Guard, greatly appreciate the support and messages of thanks that patients are posting in their vehicle windows.

*New*Belle Glade COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is available on a walk-up basis outside of the Primary Care Clinic at Lakeside Medical Center. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Individuals who believe they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to be tested are invited to walk up and see a provider for screening. If the provider determines they are a candidate for screening, they will be registered on-site and tested. Results will be communicated by a Health Care District provider as soon as they are available.

*New*JURY DUTY
All jury selection proceedings are suspended through May 29, 2020. Jurors who were summonsed for jury duty through May 29 do not have to report for service. They do not need to take any further action.  Those with questions regarding jury service can call 561-355-2930 or visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/jury.

EO 20-95 Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans
Encourages small businesses in Florida to apply for loans while waiving documentary stamp taxes.

EO 20-94: Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief

The Governor suspended mortgage foreclosures and evictions solely as it relates to non-payment for rent by residential tenants due to COVID -19 emergency under Florida law for 45 days from the date of this Executive Order.

EO 20-93: Reemployment Assistance Program

With thousands of Floridians seeking help from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Program leading to significantly greater demand upon DEO's personnel, infrastructure, technology, and resources the Governor has directed that personnel redirect their current responsibilities and be deployed to work with the federal government and other state agencies to pursue all measures necessary to help Florida citizens during these trying times.

EO 20-92: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency
This order supersedes any conflicting actions or orders enacted by Local Officials.

EO 20-91: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency  
The Governor has issued a statewide stay-at-home order, requiring everyone to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. This order went into effect on April 3^rd at 12:01 am and will remain in effect for the next 30 days. 

FAQs for Executive Order 20-91

Essential Services and Activities during COVID-19

Click on the link below to see frequently asked questions about Executive Order 20-91

Governor's Frequently Asked Questions

EO 20-90: Broward and Palm Beach County Closures
Extends Executive Order# 20-70 to keep all beaches in Palm Beach County and Broward County closed through the end of the State of Emergency.

• Palm Beach County remains under a State of Emergency
  Declaration of Continuing State of Emergency
  
  
• Click here to view all Local and Governor Executive Orders.

RESOURCES

*New* LIBRARIES Unemployment Assistance
The Palm Beach County Library System has many resources available to help those unemployed due to COVID-19.
Staff are available by phone, email and chat to help members who have questions or need assistance filling out
unemployment/reemployment forms through Ask-A-Librarian on our website at www.pbclibrary.org.

*New* Car Payment Deferral Programs
For Floridians having trouble making car payments and who are worried about having their car repossessed,
some payment deferral programs have been created by car manufacturers.

For debtors struggling to make car payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, many automakers have created
Corona Virus Car Payment Relief Programs which allow the borrowers to defer payments for a period of time.
Click the links to a list of programs that are available:
Ed Munds Car Payment Relief Programs
J.D. Power Car Payment Relief

*New* Feeding Site - Boynton Beach 

The City of Boynton Beach has been partnering with Feeding South Florida and provide meals for pick up at the Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach, on Thursdays, 9am-11am

*New* Office of Equal Business Opportunity
The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity will host "Tuesday's Tips," a weekly teleconference created to provide up-to-date information to the small business community. The teleconference will be presented weekly for the small business community and will include tips for sustaining business in response to COVID-19 and other information to support local small businesses.  For more information, contact OEBO at oebo@pbcgov.org or 561-616-6840.

*New*Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Effective April 1, 2020 the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) benefit limits per household have increased in the following matter

• Qualifying households will receive a benefit amount of up to $750 on a past due bill, to resolve their energy crisis.

Home Energy

• Households that do not have an energy crisis, but whose total income is at or below 150% FPLG, will receive a credit of $200- $600.

• The benefit amount will depend on total household income, household composition, and if there are any elderly, disabled or children under age six (6) in the household.

*New* Palm Beach County Victims Services
The Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center helpline is available for information, options and support: 561-833-7273. Services are free, confidential and private.

*New* FedEx store locations providing free printing and mailing of reemployment assistance applications:

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center                                               

Inside Walmart

2144 W Indiantown Rd

Jupiter, FL 33458

(561) 972-5527

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

155 S State Rd 7 106
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414

(561) 333-1058

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

2381 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

(561) 478-0600

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

2208 N Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426

(561) 737-2388

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

1911 S Federal Hwy 100
Delray Beach, FL 33483

(561) 278-5025

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

2501 N Federal Hwy

Boca Raton, FL 33431

(561) 367-9577

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

2301 Glades Rd 600

Boca Raton, FL 33431

(561) 998-8244

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

7775 Glades Rd 100

Boca Raton, FL 33434

(561) 488-5599

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

1701 S Federal Hwy

Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 620-2890

Rental and Employment Assistance

• Residents concerned with rent assistance may contact the Palm Beach County Human Services   Eviction Prevention Program. Call 561-904-7900 or apply online at www.pbcgov.org/oscarss.
  
  
• You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. For more information go to the Paycheck Protection Program.
  
  
• If your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, you may file a Reemployment Assistance Claim through CONNECT, Florida's online Reemployment Assistance http://floridajobs.org/.

• Looking for work? You can search for jobs 24/7 by accessing the Virtual Career System from your computer or mobile device. Learn more ----> http://ow.ly/F0QZ50yX3cO
• Food Assistance: United Way: 211palmbeach Emergency Palm Beach

Alcoholics Anonymous
To find an A.A. meeting near you contact the A.A. resources below for a meeting list in that location and surrounding areas. For information about online meetings/online groups: www.aainpalmbeach.org  Phone: (561) 276-4581

Elder Care Human Rights Campaign Foundation - LGBTQ Elders Issue Brief 
With a lesser likelihood to have a support network, older members of the LGBTQ community must often rely on long-term care services. Whether in-home services or residential care, 60% of LGBTQ respondents are concerned about discrimination and 40% are not comfortable reaching out to
their provider.

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED

U.S. Department of Labor UnemploymentAssistance

• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
  The U.S. Department of Labor announced the publication of Unemployment Insurance Guidance Letter 15-20 [wdr.doleta.gov] (UIPL) providing guidance to states for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Under FPUC, states will administer an additional $600 weekly payment to certain eligible individuals who are receiving other benefits.
  
  
• U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes Guidance on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
  The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the publication of Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) 16-20 [wdr.doleta.gov] providing guidance to states for implementation of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Under PUA, individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation and are unable to continue working as a result of COVID-19, such as self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, are eligible for PUA benefits.
  
  

SCHOOL INFORMATION

The School District of Palm Beach County continues its commitment to feeding students while schools are closed. Two important changes for the upcoming weeks:

• For the week of April 6^th feeding sites will be open Monday through Thursday. Those who come on Thursday to pick up meals will be receiving meals for both Thursday and Friday.
• Starting Monday, April 13^th and until further notice, the 35 feeding sites will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Two days' worth of meals will be provided each day. Meals distributed will be lunch and dinner only.
• Click here for School District locations distributing 'Grab and Go' bags filled with breakfast, lunch, supper, and a snack, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

PARKS AND RECREATION

• All parks and golf courses, both public and private remain closed until further notice
  Virtual Recreation Center - PBC Parks TV
• Watch educational videos and take a virtual park tour, check out animal feedings, story time and learn fun activities that you can do from home.

ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL

• Pet owners should prepare now in the event that they become sick or if they must be hospitalized. This is especially important for residents who live alone.
• Consider becoming a foster parent or adopting a dog, cat, or kitten(s). For more information about fostering, Click here  
• View pets available for adoption online: https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/snap/home

SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY
SWA asks residents to refrain from tree trimming in April.  All garbage bags should be tied securely for disposal so waste workers do not come in contact with any potentially virus-contaminated waste.

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County has developed a COVID-19 website https://swa.org/632/6702/COVID-19-Updates.

PARTNERING AGENCIES

The Small Business Agency is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts during these unprecedented times. The positions include:

• Call Center Customer Service Representative
• Document Preparation/Legal Review/Loan Closings
• Loan Processing/Credit Analysis/Mortgage Underwriting
• Program Support

             Apply today [lnks.gd]

The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County is offering a limited number of child care scholarships for those serving on the front-line of the COVID-19 response. This is available for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old for up to 60 days for these critical employees.
For more information, call: 561-514-3300.

LIBRARIES

• Virtual Story Time
  The Palm Beach County Library System is hosting virtual story time on YouTube, and sharing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am.
• Technology Assistance
  The Palm Beach County Library System is offering one-on-one chat with a librarian. They can assist with any of your technology needs, including navigating the virtual classroom. Video chat sessions are available through the Zoom app. Call 561-233-2600 to book an appointment.
• Homework Help
  Tutor.com and Live Homework help is a free library service that offers online tutoring in math, science, social studies and language arts. Live one-on-one sessions are available every day from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am. Assistance in Spanish is available from 2:00 pm – 12:00 am.
• Career Development
  The Library has many free online resources to help you advance your career during the "Safer at Home" order. You can learn new skills, update your resume, and utilize programs to prepare you to return to the workforce.
• Free E-Card
  Get a free temporary e-card for any child in Palm Beach County. The card allows you to
  access online resources and services. Visit http://www.pbclibrary.org/virtual-library to sign up for the e-card.

PALM BEACH COUNTY BUILDING DIVISION

• The Palm Beach County Building Division's South County Permitting Office is closed until
  further notice.
• The majority of permit types that were previously submitted in the South County office are now able to be submitted via our online system ePZB Admin login, and more permit types are being added to the system frequently.
• Visit our website for more information: Online Submittal Building Permit Notice.

PLANNING, ZONING & BUILDING
All Planning, Zoning, and Building public meetings for April are canceled. All public hearings scheduled at those meetings are postponed to dates to be determined. Once revised dates have been determined, the meetings will be rescheduled and all appropriate parties will be advised.

LOCAL CALL CENTERS
Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center remains open 7 days a week from 8 am – 6 pm.
561-712-6400

• Boca Raton 561-982-4900 
• Greenacres 561-642-2000 
• Town of Palm Beach 561-227-7070 
• Riviera Beach 561-812-6597 
• Wellington 561-791-4000
• West Palm Beach 561-822-222
  or contact your municipality.
  
   
• Suicide Prevention:  For resources to help cope during the coronavirus pandemic please follow this link: Suicide Prevention and COVID-19.
  

TRANSPORTATION

PALM TRAN Fixed Route and Paratransit Operations

• Effective April 13, 2020 Palm Tran's western community bus service, Go Glades, will be implementing a change to its daily service. Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will no longer be serviced. You will be able to book a trip on Go Glades directly to and from your destination by calling: (561) 649-9838.
• Palm Tran fixed-route continues to operate on a Saturday schedule except routes 1, 2, 3, 43  
  and 62 which are on a regular weekday schedule. Sundays will continue to operate on a Sunday schedule. The number of people onboard has been limited to no more than 20 passengers.
• Palm Tran Connection is essential trips only.

TRI-RAIL

• Trains have suspended fares and are operating on a modified schedule:
  18 trains on Weekdays, 12 trains on Saturday, 12 trains on Sunday.

BRIGHTLINE

• Brightline train service is suspended until further notice.
  

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
All Natural Areas are closed to the public until further notice.

CIRCUIT COURT
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit is limiting most face-to-face hearings. However, in order to protect the public's constitutional right to access and to ensure the progress of essential proceedings, the courthouses have remained open.  To help ensure that no person infected with COVID-19 enters the courthouses, anyone who enters the courthouse will undergo a non-invasive temperature scan. Any person who refuses to have their temperature taken or has a temperature of 100.4 º F, or higher, will not be permitted to enter the courthouses.  For updated information, visit http://15thcircuit.com   

Frequently Asked Questions and Order Locations

COVID-19 Email Scams

Security experts say a spike in email scams linked to coronavirus is the worst they have seen in years. The best way to see where a link will take you is to hover your mouse cursor over it to reveal the true web address. If it looks suspicious, DON'T CLICK!

Who do I contact if I'm having symptoms?

• Contact your primary doctor. If they are unable to provide you with a COVID-19 test, ask them for instruction on how to self-isolate at home.

What if I don't have a Doctor?

• You can contact any urgent care center, or the county primary care clinics.

How long does it take to receive test results for COVID-19?

• Testing results will be reported to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County who will notify the patient. Results can be expected within 2-3 days, however, it may take longer.
  
  
• Individuals testing positive will be advised of isolation and quarantine protocols and referred for medical care if necessary.

For the latest information about COVID-19 in Florida, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov or call the Florida Department of Health 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-779-6121.

Follow us:
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Individuals with questions related to the coronavirus should call the Florida Department of Health's Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-779-6121 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. They can also visit http://pbchd.org for the latest health information. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus COVID-19.

For the latest information and updates from Palm Beach County, visit http://pbcgov.com/coronavirus.