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​During an afternoon news conference at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), County Mayor Dave Kerner gave an update on local COVID-19 mitigation efforts and preparations for Tropical System Eta. Joining him were Commissioner Mack Bernard, and Emergency Management Director Bill Johnson.
 
Eta
Tropical Depression Eta is heading toward S. Fla. and will likely be a tropical storm by tonight or early Saturday. Eta is predicted to make a sharp turn west as it crosses Cuba on Monday. Exactly when and where that turn occurs is unknown. Eta’s wind field is very wide, so do not focus on the exact center of the track. Major concerns in Palm Beach County will be flooding and wind gusts.
 
Forecast
Expect squally weather with strong wind and heavy rains through Monday. Tropical storm-force winds (39 mph+) possible with 6 to 10 inches of rainfall forecast. Isolated tornadoes are possible. Wave heights of 15 to 20 feet predicted – beach erosion and coastal flooding likely. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch through Tuesday evening.

At this time, county officials do not anticipate issuing any evacuation orders or opening any emergency shelters. The EOC will remain activated. “Please take this storm seriously,” said Johnson. “Be careful out there, be prepared and stay informed.”
 
COVID-19
A local state of emergency was issued for the 37th time. Friday marks Day 235 at Level 2 activation at the EOC. Palm Beach County reported 364 new positive cases of COVID-19 Friday. A few weeks ago, the average was less than 100 cases per day. A total of 54,624 cases have been reported in the county. The daily positivity rate Thursday was 4.6%. It was over 7% on three of the past five days. The goal is 5% or lower.
 
Testing – A total of 7,866 people were tested in Palm Beach County Thursday. Due to the approach of Eta, testing is being suspended at all Health Care District sites at close of business today, with the exception of the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, which will be open Saturday only. Testing sites at FAU, the South County Civic Center and the Boca Town Center Mall will also be open on Saturday. All sites will close at the end of business Saturday until next week. After the storm has left the area, all locations will be assessed to determine if they are safe to reopen. Information about testing sites will be sent out through media and social media channels. For specific details on rapid testing and all testing options and a complete list of all testing sites in Palm Beach County, please  visit our website.