LATEST OPERATIONAL UPDATES

 

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

Palm Beach County issued Emergency Order 20-004 effective April 13, 2020 which 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.

 

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 31st. The call center will re-open today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule patients for Tuesday, April 14th. 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.

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*New* Libraries

You can use the Palm Beach County Library system 24/7 from your computer, laptop or mobile device by visiting our website. Branches will continue to have the applications available in English, Spanish and Creole.

 

http://www.pbclibrary.org/unemployment

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.

 

*New* Unemployment Online Application Assistance

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has a new mobile-friendly site to apply for Reemployment Assistance for new claimants. Learn more here.

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Link to the downloadable unemployment form to apply

 

FedEx store locations are also providing free printing and mailing of reemployment assistance applications. Click here for a list of locations.

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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.

 

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

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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.

 

Car Payment Deferral Programs

For Floridians having trouble making car payments and who are worried about having their car repossessed,  some payment deferral programs have been created by car manufacturers.

For debtors struggling to make car payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, many automakers have created Corona Virus Car Payment Relief Programs which allow the borrowers to defer payments for a period of time.

 

Click here for links to a list of programs that are available:

 

Palm Beach County Victims Services

The Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center helpline is available for information, options and support: 561-833-7273. Services are free, confidential and private.

 

Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability Foreclosure Prevention – Funding may be provided to assist with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes and homeowner insurance to prevent foreclosure. Applicants can apply for up to $20,000.

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Libraries Unemployment Assistance

The Palm Beach County Library System has many resources available to help those unemployed due to COVID-19.

 

Staff are available by phone, email and chat to help members who have questions or need assistance filling out unemployment/reemployment forms through Ask-A-Librarian on our website at www.pbclibrary.org.

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Solid Waste Authority asks residents to refrain from tree trimming in April. While garbage, recycling and bulk waste remain on schedule, residents are asked to delay major yard trimming until May.

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Garbage bags should be tied securely for disposal so waste workers do not come in contact with any potentially virus-contaminated waste.

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Click here to view all Local and Governor Executive Orders.