​

*New* VIDEO UPDATE: Solid Waste Authority COVID-19 Response

Solid Waste Authority Executive Director Dan Pellowitz talks COVID-19 Response and how residents can help keep workers safe.

LATEST OPERATIONAL UPDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY

PBC ORDERS, ACTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

*New* Palm Beach County Issues Executive Order 20-004 Directive to Wear Facial Covers

Palm Beach County issued Emergency Order 20-004 effective as of 12:01AM Monday, April 13, 2020.The Emergency Order states all persons working in, patronizing, or otherwise physically present in grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible should wear facial coverings as defined by the CDC. All other persons physically present in any public place in Palm Beach County are strongly urged to wear facial coverings as defined by the CDC.

County Administrator Verdenia Baker stresses the importance of slowing the spread by using facial covers: “Although the order begins early Monday, with the holidays being this weekend and families grocery shopping and getting together, it is advised that everyone who needs to be closer than 6 feet wear face coverings immediately. The number of new cases is going down and the sooner we consistently slow the spread; the sooner life starts to get back to normal.”

A facial covering includes any covering which snugly covers the lower face, nose, and mouth, whether store bought or homemade mask, or clothing covering, including but not limited to, a scarf, bandana, handkerchief or other similar cloth covering and which is secured in place.  Examples of compliant homemade facial coverings may be found on the CDC website: CDC Face Coverings. Persons wearing facial coverings should review the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines regarding safely applying, removing, and cleaning facial coverings.

Persons utilizing facial coverings should not procure surgical masks or N95 rated masks, as those are critical supplies for health care workers, law enforcement, fire-rescue, emergency management, or other persons engaged in life and safety activities.

*NEW* TESTING SITES SUMMARY

The Cleveland Clinic Florida testing site at the South County Civic Center has tested more than 800 people this week. Appointments can be made at 561-804-0250. You must call to be screened and confirm an appointment time.

Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches testing site has administered a total of 4,843 tests since it opened on March 31^st. The call center will re-open Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule patients for Tuesday, April 14^th.  Testing will resume on Tuesday 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 the previously screened symptoms of fever and 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.

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.

*New* LIBRARIES

You can use the Palm Beach County Library system 24/7 from your computer, laptop or mobile device by visiting our website. You will find a lot of information available to you to help you pass the time while staying home. Check out the COVID-19 Resource Page and the Virtual Library offerings. You will need your library card to access many of these resources. If you do not have a Library card you can get a free temporary e-card today.

Staff Recommendations
Library staff have put together some recommendations to help you stay well, have some fun & games and binge watch some TV shows.  

Binge-Worthy Movies and TV Shows
Parents and students can put the school work away and spend some time binge-watching kids movies, cult classics, art-house classics, or any of the 60 plus categories of movies available. There are also 60 categories of TV shows including family-friendly shows, PBS Kids, The Magic School Bus, Masterpiece Theatre, Ken Burns, National Geographic and much more.

Magazines Galore

If you are searching for the next DIY project to fill your time or want to catch up on all the celebrity gossip or find a new recipe to make for Easter or Passover out check out Flipster. With more than 60 titles you are sure to find something of interest. You can view the magazines from your computer or mobile device. There is no limit to the number of titles you can read online or download to the mobile app.

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 http://www.pbclibrary.org/unemployment.

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

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.

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