OPERATIONAL UPDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY
PBC ORDERS, ACTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
*New*
Cleveland Clinic's Fourth Day of COVID-19 Testing at South County Civic Center 4-10-20:
This afternoon during the fourth day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at the South County Civic Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida tested 226 patients. The Cleveland Clinic Florida COVID-19 Screening Center representatives have scheduled 122 so far for Saturday. Appointments can be made at 561-804-0250. You must call to be screened and confirm an appointment time. The testing site has tested more than 600 people this week.
*New*
Health Care District of Palm Beach County's Tenth Day of Drive-thru Testing in West Palm Beach for 4-10-20:
During the tenth 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 452 patients at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. There were 74 patients who did not show for their scheduled appointments. The average age of the patients tested was 49. A total of 22 children were tested and the youngest patient was three months old. Patients are notified when their results are in. A total of 4,231 tests have been performed at the drive-thru testing site in West Palm Beach since March 31st, 2020.
The Health Care District's COVID-19 Hotline representatives scheduled 720 appointments for COVID-19 drive-thru testing for Saturday, which is a higher volume of testing than usual. Still, there was availability for more appointments on Saturday that were not filled. Because of this lower demand for appointments, the hotline will reopen on Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule appointments for Tuesday. Due to the downturn of demand and the higher than average schedule on Saturday, testing will resume on Tuesday, April 14th at 8 a.m.
In support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' guidance to expand criteria for testing, callers to the COVID-19 Hotline,
561-642-1000, do not need to have experienced previously screened symptoms such as fever or dry cough. Also in alignment with the Governor's position, the Health Care District has always tested patients of all ages and has never used travel as a criteria for testing. Since the call center is experiencing reduced call volume, callers should experience shorter wait times.
The Health Care District's C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics' staff who are conducting the testing, along with on-site Palm Beach County staff and members of the Florida Army National Guard, appreciate the signs of appreciation and support from patients at the drive-thru site.
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.
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.
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 3rd 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.
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.
RESOURCES
The State of Florida's "Project: VITAL" Will Connect Florida Seniors to Their Families Through Virtual Technology to Help Mitigate the Effects of Social Isolation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 8, 2020 — Today, Governor DeSantis and Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom announced the launch of Project: VITAL (Virtual Inclusive Technology for All), which utilizes virtual technology to relieve the difficult symptoms of social isolation for residents in Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and nursing homes. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association and other industry leaders to distribute tablets statewide to residents in order to bring families together virtually and help mitigate feelings of isolation. "In order to protect our Florida residents especially our elders, from the dangers of COVID-19, we have enacted social distancing measures to keep people safe," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Project VITAL utilizes methods of personalized communication tools such as video call connections, online support tools, and customized applications to allow residents to continue connecting with their loved ones during these tough times though various virtual platforms." During the initial pilot phase, project leaders will work with 150 care communities and supply two tablets per community along with virtual training on how to use the equipment, platform, and applications as well as proper sanitization of each tablet from resident to resident.
"Project: VITAL has provided the Alzheimer's Association the opportunity to extend our reach to not just those living with dementia, but to all seniors in Florida who are vulnerable to the negative effects of social isolation," said Alzheimer's Association Florida Regional Leader, Angela McAuley. "Ask the facility how you can have contact with your family member. Options include telephone calls, video chats, or even emails. Families are advised to check with the facility regarding their procedures for managing COVID-19 risk. At this time, it is advised to ensure that your facility has your emergency contact information as well as backup information of another family member or friend.
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.
Community Services 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 and Economic Sustainability.
LIBRARIES
TEMPORARY FREE E-CARDS
The Palm Beach County Library System has given out 3,082 free temporary e-cards to residents so they can access our online resources and digital materials. To receive your e-card visit our website at www.pbclibrary.org and click on the Virtual Library icon. You can use this card to "check-out" e-books, e-audiobooks, e-movies & TV shows, e-music and e-magazines.
http://www.pbclibrary.org/downloads
UNEMPLOYMENT AND SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Branches will continue to have the applications available in English, Spanish and Creole. Applications can be taken to FedEx Centers in Palm Beach County and they will deliver them to Tallahassee. Please do not leave filled out applications at the Library. You can find additional information and resources for small businesses and the unemployed on our website www.pbclibrary.org/unemployment
RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Librarians are available to assist you with your research, filing for unemployment, and help using our online resources. Visit our website at
www.pbclibrary.org and click on the Ask-A-Librarian icon or call 561-233-2600.
VIRTUAL SCHOOL RESOURCES
The Library has many resources available for parents and students who are adjusting to virtual school. Tutor.com Live Homework Help provides free online tutoring in math, science, social studies and language arts as well. Grades K-12, College Intro, and Adult Learners. Live one-to-one help is available every day from 12:00 pm-12:00 am. Assistance provided in Spanish every day from 2:00 pm-12:00 am. Tutor.com also offers assistance for job seekers with résumé and cover letter templates, interview guidelines and much more. The World Almanac for Kids has content for student reports, with extensive articles on animals, countries, states, science and history. cloudLibrary has an extensive collection of study guides for Act and SAT tests, as well as language learning, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP European History Exam and more.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW WHILE STUCK AT HOME
Our Covid-19 Resources page includes links to online learning, virtual activities, museum tours, opera performances and more.
http://www.pbclibrary.org/virtual-library A few highlights include Udemy and Transparent Language. Udemy is an online learning tool that offers online tutorials in 13 categories including design, development, sales, project management and more. You can even learn American Sign Language. Transparent Language is an online learning system that is fun and interactive and include more than 80 languages from Afrikaans to Zulu!
Unemployment Assistance
Many PBC Library locations are providing printed employment/re-employment applications for those affected by COVID-19. These PBC Library System branches have forms available at the main entrance of buildings:
Acreage Branch 15801 Orange Blvd. Loxahatchee, 33407 (561) 681-4100
Belle Glade Branch 725 NW 4th St. Belle Glade, 33430 (561) 996-3453
Gardens Branch 11303 Campus Dr. PBG, 33410 (561) 626-6133
Glades Road Branch 20701 95th Ave S. Boca Raton, 33434 (561) 482-4554
Greenacres Branch 3750 Jog Rd. Greenacres, 33467 (561) 641-9100
Jupiter Branch 705 Military Tr. Jupiter, 33458 (561) 744-2301
Lantana Road Branch 4020 Lantana Rd. Lake Worth, 33462 (561) 304-4500
Main Library 3650 Summit Blvd. WPB, 33406 (561) 233-2600
Okeechobee Blvd. Branch 5689 W. Okeechobee Blvd. WPB, 33417 (561) 233-1880
Royal Palm Beach Branch 500 Civic Center Way Royal Palm Beach, 33411 (561) 790-6030
Wellington Branch 1951 Royal Fern Dr. Wellington, 33414 (561) 790-6070
West Boca Branch 18685 State Rd 7 Boca Raton, 33498 (561) 470-1600
West Boynton Branch 9451 Jog Rd. Boynton Beach, 33437 (561) 734-5556
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
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.
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/.
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
U.S. Department of Labor Unemployment
Assistance
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:
-
Starting Monday, April 13th
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
The April 15th
Meeting 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.
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.
Clinic Locations
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.