LATEST OPERATIONAL UPDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY
*NEW*
VIDEO: COVID UPDATE FROM THE EOC
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Palm Beach County Media Briefing Summary – SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
On September 4, at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center, County Mayor Dave Kerner gave an update on local COVID-19 mitigation efforts and plans for an
incremental Phase 2 reopening, allowing additional businesses and services in Palm Beach County to resume operations. Joining him were Dr. Alina Alonso, director of the Florida Dept. of Health-Palm Beach County, Commissioner Mack Bernard, County Administrator Verdenia Baker and Assistant County Administrator Patrick Rutter.
As of Thursday, the daily positivity rate in Palm Beach County was 3.6%; statewide 5.1%. There were 119 new cases of COVID-19 in the county Thursday, with 4 new hospitalizations and 10 additional fatalities reported. The county's daily lab positivity rate has been below the goal of 5% since Aug. 17. “That makes all the difference in the world," said Dr. Alonso. “It means our viral load is going down." She cautioned there is still a long way to go before we attain herd immunity.
Phase 2 - Governor Ron DeSantis has issued
Executive Order #20-214, approving Palm Beach County to move into Step 1 of its five-step incremental Phase 2 reopening plan. “We have moved as aggressively as possible and as safely as possible," said Mayor Kerner. “Now, it is up to each Palm Beach County resident to make sure our entering into incremental Phase 2 and advancing through the steps is done carefully, cautiously, and in compliance."
Emergency Order 2020-012 requiring the wearing of facial coverings remains in full force and social distancing should be maintained.
Step 1 – Beginning Tuesday, September 8, retail stores, museums, libraries, personal services not already open, and gyms and fitness centers may operate at full capacity. Movie theaters, bowling alleys, and other indoor entertainment centers may operate at 50 percent capacity; playhouses at 33 percent. Skating rinks are limited to a maximum of 25 skaters. Escape rooms can host private parties only, no more than 6 people per room, with staggered start times. Restaurants may serve food and alcohol on premises until midnight
Emergency Order 2020-023. Indoor dining capacity remains at 50 percent, but full capacity is allowed in outdoor areas if social distancing protocols are met. Patrons will be allowed to order food and beverages at the bar inside the restaurant.
Still closed – bars, nightclubs, auditoriums, bingo parlors, comedy clubs, concert halls, cigar/hookah bars, pool/billiard halls and arcades
Schools – The actual opening date for schools will be determined by the Palm Beach County School Board.
CECT – The COVID Education and Compliance Team (CECT) will be out this weekend with an emphasis on education and compliance of local orders. To date, over 6,000 complaints have been received and investigated and 61 notices of violation issued.
Beaches – All county-owned and operated beaches and beach parks are open. Beaches in the Town of Palm Beach are closed this holiday weekend.
Census – Commissioner Bernard reminded residents who did not return their 2020 U.S. Census form that a census worker will be visiting their home to assist with completing the form. “We must make sure everyone in every household is counted," he said. The census response deadline is September 30.
PBC ORDERS, ACTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Executive Order 20-214 – Palm Beach County is approved to move into Phase 2 by Governor Ron DeSantis.
This order by Governor Ron DeSantis allows Palm Beach County to enter into Phase 2 of the Governor's “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step" plan for Florida's recovery.
The link to Palm Beach County's Incremental Phase 2 plan is here:
PBC Phase 2 Plan
*NEW*
Emergency Order 2020-024 - Palm Beach County COVID-19 Phase 2, Step 1 Re-Openings
This order, which is effective at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2020, is authorizing additional business re-openings in accordance with the direction of Governor DeSantis and Step 1 of the Incremental Phase 2 Re-Opening Plan.
Emergency Order 2020-023 - Palm Beach County COVID-19 Revised Operating Hour Restrictions and Other Business Hours
This order, which is effective at 12:01 A.M. on September 4, 2020, revises an earlier order that restricted operating hours on serving food and/or alcohol for on premises consumption and other business hours.
Emergency Order 23 amends Sections 4 and 5 of Emergency Order 2020-018 to replace all hour references from "between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m." to "between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m."
Subsection 6k of Emergency Order 2020-018 is also amended to remove the references to tattooing, body piercing, and tanning business establishments, which are no longer closed within Palm Beach County.
All other provisions of Section 6k are unchanged and all other provisions of Emergency Order 2020-018 remain in full effect.
Executive Order 20-211Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief OrdersExtended
This order by Governor Ron DeSantis provides a limited, one-month extension until 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2020 to Executive Order 20-180, which made significant changes to prior versions of the mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief orders.
Click
here to view Palm Beach County Emergency Orders
Palm Beach County has extended the
COVID-19 State of Emergency until September 11.
PALM BEACH COUNTY BEACHES WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND WITH CDC GUIDELINES IN PLACE
All Palm Beach County operated beach parks will remain open this Labor Day weekend. Restaurants and retail establishments within beach parks may remain open subject to the restrictions included in current state and local emergency orders applicable to Palm Beach County, including, but not limited to, any occupancy restrictions. In keeping with
Emergency Order 11, beaching, landings, anchoring, or mooring of vessels on sandbars, islands, and open shorelines is still prohibited.
Local governments and municipalities may determine the closure of beaches within their jurisdictions if they feel it necessary. Palm Beach County operated beaches include:
Carlin Park, Jupiter
Coral Cove Park, Tequesta
DuBois Park, Jupiter
Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream
Juno Beach Park, Juno Beach
Jupiter Beach Park, Jupiter
Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach
Ocean Cay Park, Jupiter
Ocean Inlet Park, Ocean Ridge
Ocean Ridge Hammock Park, Ocean Ridge
Ocean Reef Park, Riviera Beach
Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach
R. G. Kreusler Park, Palm Beach
South Inlet Park, Boca Raton
*NEW*
PALM BEACH COUNTY TESTING
Health Care District of Palm Beach County's Testing for Friday, 9-4-20:
The Health Care District's
C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics [brumbackclinics.org] are providing safe, in-person medical appointments and pharmacy services at eight clinic sites throughout Palm Beach County. Patients can call 561-642-1000 to schedule an appointment for either a telemedicine or inpatient visit.
Rapid Antigen Testing Site
Rapid antigen testing is now available at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The site will be open Tuesday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for anyone 65 years of age or older, 5 to 18 years of age or anyone over 5 years old showing symptoms of COVID-19. Appointments are required. Registration can be done online at
www.tourhealth.com or by calling (866) 416-6341. Online scheduling is preferred.
Florida Atlantic Testing Site in Boca Raton
The site tested
75 residents today. The testing site is located at the FAU Tech Runway on the north end of the FAU campus at 901 NW 35th Street, Boca Raton, 33431. Appointments are required for testing. To make an appointment, call American Medical Response at 1-800-209-7919 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Testing is available to anyone over the age of 12, with or without COVID-19 symptoms.
South County Civic Center Site in West Delray Beach
The site tested
62 residents today. The drive through testing site is located at the South County Civic Center located at 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446. Appointments are required for testing. To make an appointment, call American Medical Response at 1-800-209-7919 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Testing is available to anyone over the age of 12, with or without COVID-19 symptoms.
Wellington Community Center Testing
The Village of Wellington has partnered with Premier Family Health to provide FREE walk-up COVID-19 testing for all western communities' residents age 12 and over. Health officials from Premier Family Health will conduct tests at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, 33414. Testing will be available daily by appointment, and is available for both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents. To make an appointment, call 561-753-2484.
Homebound Resident Testing
Residents eligible include homebound elderly or individuals with disabilities who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
and cannot leave their homes to access one of the drive-up or walk-up test collection sites. Residents who believe they are eligible for the in-home testing option should call 561-712-6400 for a pre-qualifying assessment. The testing line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
RESOURCES
CARES ACT FOOD ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Beginning September 4th, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, through its Community Services Department (CSD), will provide direct assistance for food to eligible residents of Palm Beach County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Palm Beach County will issue pre-paid debit cards to approved residents to purchase food. Eligible residents who experienced a loss of income as a direct result of COVID-19 and who are at or below 140% Area Median Income (AMI) may apply. The one-time benefit allowance is based on household size and maximum amounts is listed. Only one card will be given out per household, and all expenditures must be made by December 30, 2020.
• 1-2 Household members: $400
• 3-4 Household members: $800
• 5 or more Household members: $1,000
Applicants must present evidence their household was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to qualify to receive the prepaid card. Supporting documentation must be provided to prove income eligibility, such as last a pay stub or last filed tax return, valid government issued ID and Social Security card.
Clients who received assistance for rental and utility services thru Covid Cares program may apply for the food assistance without uploading additional documentation.
Eligible residents may apply for food assistance at
www.pbcgov.com/OSCARSS. A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found
here. For more information, contact CSD's Contact Centre at (561) 355-4792.
UP-TO-DATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DASHBOARD
To find the latest information about your specific zip code and other COVID-19 data, check out the Florida Department of Health
COVID-19 Dashboard. Also find more health/COVID-19 information in
multiple languages here.
*NEW*
CARES RESTART BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM OFFERED FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the CARES Restart Business Grants Program to accelerate the reopening of businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. The $60 million Business Restart Program uses a portion of the county's $261 million allocation from the Federal CARES Act approved by Congress. The BCC has dedicated $50 million toward businesses with 25 or fewer employees and $10 million towards businesses with greater than 25 employees. The application period is now over but could reopen if grant dollars remain after the current applications are processed.
Below is the summary as of 4:00 PM Friday for the CARES DHES application process:
| Summary |
Count |
Total Applications Received
|
4989
|
| Applications In Review | 0
|
Applications Denied-Inaccurate, Ineligible
| 2004
|
Applications Approved
| 4
|
CARES Grant Issued by Checks
| 2981
|
CARES Funds Distributed
|
$50,707,029.91
|
YOUTH SERVICES AND EARLY LEARNING COALITION PROVIDE CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIPS TO WORKING FAMILIES AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners will provide funding through its Youth Services Department to the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County to provide child care scholarships for qualifying families with school age children grades K-5 who may be participating in the School District of Palm Beach County's distant learning curriculum. Monies are made available through the county's CARES Act funding to meet the need of access to childcare services for those families affected by financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, visit
https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/.
PBC YOUTH SERVICES PROVIDES FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO GLADES RESIDENTS
Mental health services provided by Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) program are available at no charge for Palm Beach County residents in the Glades area with youth ages 0-22. YFC's community-focused services include assessments, family and individual therapy, parent education, school-based behavioral health services, and the “Real Talk" teen support group.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Telemental health services are offered in English, Spanish, French and Creole via Zoom Video. To schedule an appointment, please email
YSD-YFC-WestAppt or call the YFC West County Office (Belle Glade) at (561) 922-1233. For a full list of telemental health services provide by Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's Residential Treatment and Family Counseling (RTFC) Division, please visit our
website.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPT. PROVIDES HELP FOR RESIDENTS FACING EVICTION
The Palm Beach County Community Services Department has contracted with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. and Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. to provide county residents with free legal representation and assistance in handling landlord/tenant matters and past due payments through the Rapid Response Eviction Assistance Project (RREAP). The program is part of the CARES Act COVID-19. Individuals facing eviction may call the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County's Rapid Response Eviction Project at (561) 655-8944, ext. 328 or Florida Rural Legal Services at 1-888-582-3410.
PALM BEACH COUNTY FEEDING SITES
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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
mailto: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.