Coronavirus Cases Spiking in West Palm Beach County

From City of West Palm Beach:

July 2, 2020

SUMMARY: Covid-19 cases are spiking in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County has shown a 9.6% positive rate over the past two weeks. A State of Emergency remains in effect for West Palm Beach due to for COVID-19.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DATA (data from 7/2/20, unless otherwise noted):

Total Florida Cases: 169,106

Positive Residents: 166303

Hospitalizations: 15,150

Florida Resident Deaths: 3617

Non-resident Deaths: 101

New cases of Florida residents per day: 9,558 (as of 7/1/20)

TESTING

An interactive testing map, created by Palm Beach County, features over 70 testing sites. The map will help residents find the closest private or community-based testing location for them. Several of the sites are government supported and have free testing with a variety of restrictions and processes. Many others are private labs, urgent care facilities or pharmacies that will bill your insurance.

Visit:http://pbcgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e512bab938b45a4b63275de6536302e

LIVE UPDATE FROM MAYOR JAMES ON 7/2/20

West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James provided an update to the community on COVID-19 on July 2, 2020. To view the press conference, please visit: https://youtu.be/a4v6Cn_vZH0

PBC ORDER 2020-12 MANDATORY FACIAL COVERINGS:

• Palm Beach County has issued Emergency Order 2020-012 requiring masks or face coverings in Palm Beach County. The order states that it is applicable in all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County and is effective Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
• Per the Palm Beach County order, facial coverings must be worn by all persons, other than those specifically exempted, while obtaining any good or service or otherwise visiting or working in any business or establishment, including entering, exiting, and otherwise moving around within the establishment. Facial coverings must be worn by all persons in public places where social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines is not possible or not being practiced.
• All persons accessing governmental buildings for the purposes of conducting public business, visitation, contracting, maintenance, delivery, or any other activity requiring a presence in a governmental building shall always wear facial coverings as defined by the CDC while present in the building.
• A facial covering includes any covering which snugly covers the 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. More specific guidance is contained in the order.
• All businesses and establishments shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this order and shall establish a process for verification of compliance upon customer entry into the establishment. Specific signage must be displayed in the business and is attached to the order and available online. Signage must be posted conspicuously for easy visibility at all entry points. There will be a grace period to display signage.
• Violations can be reported by calling (561)-24COVID or emailing covidcompliance@pbcgov.org. Violations are subject to fines and/or other remedies.
• To view the executive order, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home/showdocument?id=2274.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• GRASSY WATERS PRESERVE TRAIL SYSTEM: The Hog Hammock Trail, Eagle Trail, and Owahee Trail systems are open. The Apoxee Trail, under renovation, and Cypress Boardwalk Trail remain closed. The visitors center remains closed.

• PUBLIC PARKS: All public parks within the City are open for outdoor recreation purposes, but CDC social distancing guidelines must be followed, per Palm Beach County Order No. 7. Walking trails and open spaces are currently available while playgrounds, fitness equipment, parking lots, picnic pavilions, restrooms and other common areas remain closed.

• TENNIS & RAQUETBALL COURTS: The City’s tennis and racquetball courts are open for public use. Usage must comply with restrictions outlined in PBC Order No. 2020-11.
• PHIPPS SKATE PARK: Open to the public with COVID-19 restrictions in place. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (561) 835-7170.
• LIBRARY: On Monday, June 29, 2020, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach began to provide contactless walk-up pickup service. The new service allows patrons to pick up physical library materials Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until further notice. For information, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/548/16
• TROLLEY: City trolley service is suspended until further notice.
• QUESTIONS: Questions for the City can be emailed to 822@wpb.org. The Mayor’s Special Response Hotline is (561) 822-2222.
• FLORIDA DEPT. OF HEALTH COVID-19 HOTLINE: (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov with questions.
• PUBLIC MEETINGS: To promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of West Palm Beach has turned to Zoom technology to host public meetings since April. While public meetings have gone remote, the public’s participation is still needed, welcomed and encouraged. For information, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/536/16.
• BEACHES: As ordered by Palm Beach County, all beaches will be closed from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5.
• TRAVEL: Please be advised that New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have issued a travel advisory that requires people arriving from states with high coronavirus rates, including Florida, to quarantine for 14 days.

COVID-19 SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE:

• The CARES Mortgage Assistance Program offered by Palm Beach County’s Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability is open for West Palm Beach homeowners who have been negatively affected by COVID-19. For information: https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/532/16
• CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Rent and Utilities Assistance Program: West Palm Beach residents are encouraged to apply for Palm Beach County’s ‘CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Rent and Utilities Assistance Program’. The program provides one-time assistance for past due rental and/or utility balances to residents. The City of West Palm Beach’s Housing and Community Development Department is offering appointments for help completing the application to ONLY West Palm Beach residents. To schedule an appointment, interested parties shall contact (561) 822-1274 (TTY: 800-955-8771).
• FOOD STAMPS & REEMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS: For West Palm Beach residents only, the City’s Housing & Community Development Department is providing help with completing applications for food stamps and reemployment assistance. Please dial (561) 822-1274 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

• To view city, county and state executive orders, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/our-city/mayor-s-office/covid-19-updates-and-information/executive-orders.

OTHER:

• 2020 Census: All West Palm Beach residents are encouraged to respond to the Census. The Census gathers data that tells the story of our community and who we are. Data is used for many things including redistricting of state and federal legislative seats and the funding of local programs such as school meals, infrastructure improvements, and public health programs. You can respond to the Census now by visiting http://www.2020Census.gov or calling 844-330-2020.
• Hurricane Season: The Atlantic Hurricane Season is underway through November 30, 2020. The City of West Palm Beach has information to help you safely prepare, evacuate, and shelter for severe storms while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Read more about it here: https://www.wpb.org/our-city/storm-preparedness/covid-19-and-storm-season-copy
• Chlorine Flush: To maintain high water quality in the City’s water distribution system, the City of West Palm Beach Department of Public Utilities will temporarily modify the disinfection process used to treat our drinking water by flushing water lines with chlorine. This preventative maintenance will occur between Wednesday, July 8, 2020 – Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Read more here: https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/478/

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.