*New* VIDEO UPDATE: NO WIPES IN THE PIPES!
Even if it says "flushable" on the packaging, Don't flush those cleaning wipes! Why it's so important to properly dispose of disinfecting wipes.

LATEST OPERATIONAL UPDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY

*New* Cleveland Clinic's Second Day of COVID-19 Testing at South County Civic Center 4-8-20:
This afternoon during the second day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at the South County Civic Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida tested 213 patients. The Cleveland Clinic Florida COVID-19 Screening Center representatives scheduled all 250 appointments for Thursday and have scheduled 80 so far for Friday.
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 Eighth Day of Drive-thru Testing for 4-8-20:
During the eighth 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 263 patients at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.  There were 39 patients who did not show for their scheduled appointments. The average age of the patients tested was 48.  Twelve children were tested and the youngest patient was two years of age.  Patients whose test results are in will be notified.

 On Tuesday, call center representatives scheduled just over 600 appointments for COVID-19 drive-thru testing for tomorrow. Representatives screen callers for symptoms prior to registering and scheduling the patient. The Health Care District's COVID-19 Screening Center did not accept calls today pending receipt of additional testing kits. If more testing kits are received overnight, the hotline will reopen tomorrow to schedule appointments for Friday and Saturday. 

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.

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* Field Hospital Plan for South Florida Fairgrounds In Place
Palm Beach County is in the process of implementing a plan to stage a field hospital at the South Florida Fairgrounds. With the assistance of the state, this hospital will be setup in case there is a significant surge in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Once the decision is made to open the field hospital, it will be made public through the media. This hospital will not be accessible to the public and will be used to take pressure off of local hospitals that have a surge of incoming patients due to COVID-19.

*New* Car Washes Ordered Closed
Pursuant to Florida Governor's Order 20-91 and the associated Miami-Dade County orders, which apply to Palm Beach County, commercial car washes are not included in the definition of essential businesses and are therefore ordered closed until April 30, 2020.

Businesses and recreational facility closures, social distancing and stay at home strategies are critically important to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The cooperation of all residents and businesses is requested and appreciated.

Additional information concerning the Governor's Order and essential services can be found at floridadisaster.org or at this link.

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.
  
  

*New* WATER UTILITIES

• Effective immediately, and until further notice, the entrances to all Palm Beach County Water Utility facilities are closed, except for essential deliveries.
• The drive-up window of the Jog Road Customer Service Center will remain open and staff will be available to process payments and help with account inquiries.
• Anyone needing to make a payment is urged to pay via the web by visiting pbcwater.com.  via pay-by-phone by calling 561-740-4600 and selecting option 2, or by utilizing one of seven
• drop boxes located throughout the county. Drop box locations can be found online at pbcwater.com. Customers should not make cash payments via a drop box location.
• Payments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 24740, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.
• Customers wishing to establish new service, to disconnect an existing service or seeking answers to questions concerning their accounts can contact the call center by dialing 561-740-4600 or toll free at 877-477-1305 and selecting option 5.
  

*New* DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Palm Beach County Housing Programs continues to offer assistance to homeowners and prospective renters through the following programs:

• Foreclosure Prevention – Funding may be provided to assist with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes and homeowner insurance to prevent foreclosure.  Applicants can apply for up to $20,000.
  

• Rental Assistance – Funding may be provided to assist with rental security deposits, utility deposits, connection fees, housing stability counseling and rent payments up to 12 months.  The best way to apply for assistance is through the Department of Community Services electronic system via the link below or by calling (561) 904-7900. CSD Service Eligibility
  

• The Purchase Assistance Program assists pre-approved applicants with financial assistance to purchase their first home.
   
• The Rehabilitation/Repair Housing Assistance Program assists approved clients with rehabilitation or emergency repair to their owner-occupied homes.
   
• The Workforce Housing Program assists approved buyers purchase homes at one of the workforce housing sites.
   
• To discuss housing needs and available funding, contact DHES at 561-233-3600, or visit Housing & Economic Sustainability Department. 

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Re-employment Assistance
Local FedEx stores are providing free printing and mailing for re-employment assistance applications. Click Here for a list of locations.

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
  
  

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 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

*New* The April 15^thMeeting of the Governing Board of the Solid Waste Authority has been cancelled.
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 GO GLADES SERVICE

• 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.
  Fixed Route and Paratransit Operations
• 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.

JURY DUTY
All jury selection proceedings are suspended through May 29. 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.

CIRCUIT COURT
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit is limiting most face-to-face hearings. 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:

Twitter - http://twitter.com/pbcgov
Facebook - http://facebook.com/pbcgov
NextDoor - https://nextdoor.com  

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.