VIDEO:
PALM BEACH COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: Friday September 25 press conference at the PBC Emergency Operations Center.
On September 25, County Mayor Dave Kerner gave an update at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on local COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Today marks the 193rd consecutive day of EOC activation. On Thursday, the mayor signed the 29th declaration of state of emergency for the county.
The daily positivity rate in Palm Beach County stands at 2.92% - the lowest rate since May 18. Step 1 of the county's incremental Phase 2 re-opening plan has gone well, Mayor Kerner said. Local public schools opened brick and mortar campuses on Monday. County, School District, and Health Department officials will continue to gather and analyze the health metrics and monitor for significant resurgence or negative public health impacts from school reopening.
Earlier today, Governor Ron DeSantis moved the entire state into Phase 3 of his step-by-step reopening plan. As a result, all businesses that had been closed in Palm Beach County may now open. This includes stand-alone bars, nightclubs, adult entertainment establishments, hookah, cigar and other smoking bars and lounges, auditoriums, concert halls, bingo parlors and comedy clubs. All businesses in the county will be limited to an operating capacity of 50%.
“Our measured response has been effective," said Mayor Kerner, “but the governor has reiterated that we still have a long way to go in the COVID-19 battle, and this government in Palm Beach County will not relent."
The COVID Education Compliance Team (CECT) will continue to inspect establishments. To date, 4,650 complaints have been processed; a total of 6,900 complaints have been received. Education remains the team's primary focus. The public comment line is 561-24COVID.
ORDERS, ACTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
*NEW* GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-244 MOVING ALL OF FLORIDA'S 67 COUNTIES INTO PHASE 3.
Executive Order 20-244 does the following:
- Removes state-level restrictions on businesses, such as restaurants.
- Provides that no COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent an individual from working or operating a business, giving Floridians and business owners needed certainty and the ability to provide for themselves and their families. ;
- Provides that restaurants may not be limited by a COVID-19 emergency order by any local government to less than 50% of their indoor capacity
- Suspends all outstanding fines and penalties, and the collection of such moving forward, applied against individuals related to COVID-19.
Executive Order 20-244 is effective immediately.
*NEW* EMERGENCY ORDER 27 ELIMINATING RESTRICTIONS ON RESTAURANT HOURS
This order issued by County Administrator Verdenia Baker, was effective as of 12:00 P.M. on September 25, removes restrictions on the hours restaurants can operate. In further consideration of the data and analysis related to COVID-19 and the circumstances of local businesses, the Board of County Commissioners directed the County Administrator to further modify the
Incremental Phase 2 Re-Opening Plan and to remove the restrictions on operating hours of certain businesses mandated in Emergency Order 2020-018, amended by Emergency Order 2020-023.
Palm Beach County Emergency Orders 20-018 and 2020-023 are hereby repealed. This action removes any County-ordered COVID-19 emergency restrictions on business operating hours.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PALM BEACH COUNTY EMERGENCY ORDERS
PALM BEACH COUNTY HAS EXTENDED THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY UNTIL 10/2
INCREMENTAL PHASE 2 PLAN IS HERE: PBC PHASE 2 PLAN
PBC TESTING
Health Care District of Palm Beach County's Testing for Friday, 9-25-20:
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
100 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
72 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
HIGHRIDGE FAMILY CENTER TO RESUME FREE RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY YOUTH
Beginning September 29, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's Highridge Family Center will resume its free certified trauma-informed care residential treatment program for youth ages 11-16, who are experiencing problems at home, school, with friends, and in the community.
In addition to licensed clinicians providing therapeutic services, residents will attend small in-person classes from School District of Palm Beach County certified teachers. Youth will also participate in recreational, therapeutic, and creative activities throughout the day. Family, individual and group therapy are required components of the program and will be available in-person or virtually.
The regular schedule will have youth arrive on Monday mornings at 6:45 a.m. and be released for the weekends on Fridays at 12:45 p.m. The restart date was moved to Tuesday due to Monday, September 28 being a school holiday. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the program. Due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the $75 registration and activity fees have been waived.
Highridge Family Center follows CDC guidelines for social distancing, handwashing and face coverings (provided). Changes have been made to restroom and meal service procedures to decrease any transfer of germs. The program is free of charge for Palm Beach County residents.
The center is located at 4200 N. Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach. For more information or to apply for services, please call (561) 625-2540.
*NEW*
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, through its Community Services Department (CSD), is providing direct assistance for food and rent assistance to eligible residents of Palm Beach County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Below is a chart reflecting the CARES dollars that have been distributed for food and rent assistance as of 5:00 P.M. on Friday:
|
Summary for Rent and Utility Assistance |
Count |
| Total Services Received |
6688 |
| Services In Review | 2433
|
Services Denied
| 1048
|
| Services Returned | 1053
|
| Services Approved Pending Payment | 140
|
| CARES Rental & Utility Assistance Checks Issued | 2014
|
| CARES Processed Payment |
$3,355,332.98 |
|
Summary for Food Assistance |
Count |
| Total Services Received | 5034
|
| Services In Review | 3093
|
| Services Denied | 231
|
| Services Returned | 848
|
| Services Approved Pending Payment | 130
|
| CARES Food Assistance Checks Issued | 732
|
| CARES Processed Payment |
$468,200.00 |
ARCHIVED NEWS
$23 MILLION AVAILABLE TO RESTART BUSINESS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. APPLY
HERE.
PALM BEACH COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM ADDING SUNDAY HOURS AT SELECT BRANCHES
PALM BEACH COUNTY FEEDING SITES INTERACTIVE MAP
PBC YOUTH SERVICES TO RESUME FREE IN-PERSON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES FOOD ASSISTANCE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES RENT AND UTILITIES
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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.