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City of West Palm Beach Weekly COVID-19 Update

Post Date:03/12/2021 8:09 AM

SUMMARY: Florida Governor DeSantis has expanded the list of populations eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to include persons 60 years of age and older effective March 15, 2021. The Palm Beach County Community Services Department has reopened its online portal for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) beginning March 10, 2021. A face covering mandate and state of emergency remain in effect for our community. Continue to take precautions against COVID-19. Wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and wash your hands. Be safe!

VACCINES:

  • NEW - Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: Eligible vaccination populations have been expanded in Florida, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315 and Executive Order 21-47, beginning March 15, 2021, for long-term care facility residents and staff; persons 60 years of age and older; health care personnel with direct patient contact; K-12 school employees 50 years of age and older; sworn law enforcement officers 50 years of age and older; and firefighters 50 years of age and older. In addition, individuals determined by a physician to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 may also be vaccinated. Such physician determinations shall include a statement that the patient meets the defined eligibility criteria established by a form prescribed by the Florida Department of Health. For more information and to read the Governor’s executive order, click here!
  • NEW - Where to get the vaccine: If you are: Long-term care facility resident and staff Person 65 years of age and older (60 years of age and older effective 3/15) Health care personnel with direct patient contact K-12 school employee 50 years of age and older Sworn law enforcement officer 50 years of age and older Firefighter 50 years of age and older Person deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers , you can get vaccinated here:
  • NEW - Where to get the vaccine: If you are: K-12 school employee, daycare and preschool worker or staff regardless of age, you can get vaccinated here:
  • NEW - For a listing of vaccination sites in Palm Beach County, click here!
  • West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccine to Veterans, Already Receiving Care from the VA, based on CDC and VA Risk Criteria: The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (VA) is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans who already receive care or are eligible to receive care at the VA, based on CDC and VA risk criteria. According to the VA website, if you are eligible to get a vaccine, your VA health care team will contact you. The vaccine is being offered by appointment only and on a walk-in basis at Building 14 of the main campus at 7305 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The VA is actively vaccinating these patient groups:
    • Eligible High-Risk Veterans: Community Living Centers and other congregate living settings, Homeless Veterans, Hemodialysis patients, Solid Organ Transplant patients or patients who are listed for transplant, Spinal Cord Injury, and Chemotherapy patients (receiving chemotherapy in a clinic/hospital setting)
    • Eligible Veterans aged 65 and older
    • Eligible Veterans employed as essential frontline workers (aged 18 and older); firefighters, police officers, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members) as well as daycare workers who have not yet received the first dose. You must bring identification or documentation that you are employed as an essential worker defined by the CDC.
    • Eligible Veterans younger than 65 with underlying medical conditions: Underlying medical conditions, as determined by the CDC, can be found here.
    • Eligible Veterans younger than 65: all Veterans who currently receive care at VA may receive the COVID-19 Vaccine

To receive the vaccine at the VA, you must be able to return to the same site for the second dose. For more information, please visit: https://www.westpalmbeach.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

For appointment information, call (561) 422-5220.

 

RESOURCES:

 

  • NEW - Emergency Rental Assistance Online Portal Reopens: Emergency rental assistance is available to eligible West Palm Beach residents. The Palm Beach County Community Services Department (CSD) has opened its online portal for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA).  According to our partners at Palm Beach County, eligible Palm Beach County residents must be renters in rental households in which one or more individuals meets all the following criteria:
  • Qualifies for unemployment or experienced a reduction of household income;
  • Incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardships due to COVID-19;
  • Demonstrates a risk of homelessness or housing instability; and
  • Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median.

All applicants must present the following documentation in order to apply for services:

  • Evidence of direct or indirect impact of COVID-19,
  • Evidence of risk of homelessness or housing instability,
  • Evidence of income eligibility, and
  • A valid government issued ID.

Rental assistance may be paid up to three months in advance and income and crisis must be recertified for each three (3) month period.  For rental assistance, landlords must be registered as vendors with Palm Beach County.  Utility assistance is for electric, water and gas for eligible rental households only.

Applications can be made through the Palm Beach County online portal. Applicants must submit the correct information along with all required documentation to expedite approval. Applications will be prioritized for clients who are below 30%/50% AMI, facing eviction and currently unemployed for more than 90 days. Eligible residents may apply for emergency rental assistance at www.rentalassistancepbc.org.

  • Changes in SBA’s Coronavirus Relief Programs Aim to Promote Equity, Increase Funding for Small for Small Businesses - Several changes to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) coronavirus relief programs were recently made by the federal government and are designed to promote equity. Under a new proposal, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals will receive more financial support. Click here to read more!
  • Palm Beach International Airport offering COVID-19 testing to PBI passengers. Testing is now available in Helix Virtual Medicine’s clinic at Palm Beach International Airport located on the second level of the terminal near Concourse C. The clinic will provide passengers with results needed to comply with new pandemic-related travel requirements. Testing is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and on Sunday. Passengers must schedule an appointment for testing. Test results will be available to passengers within 24 to 48 hours for the standard PCR test. Patients will receive rapid test results in 30 minutes or less. Passengers with proof of travel can take a PCR test for $125. Travelers can be tested at the airport in the days leading up to their travel or after they disembark from a plane and can bill their insurance for reimbursement.On-site COVID-19 testing is meant for passengers traveling to and from PBI. Travelers should plan ahead to make sure they obtain the right kind of test for their needs and allow adequate time for processing – usually three days before travel to destinations where a negative PCR test result is necessary. Appointments for COVID-19 tests can be made at helixvm.com.
  • Crisis Counseling Health Services: The Florida Department of Children and Families has launched www.turnto211.com, a new website that provides access to crisis counseling health services. This site contains useful links, helplines, and tips for coping with traumatic events. COVID-19 has affected everyone. 211 is here to help when you do not know where to turn or you just need a friendly, listening ear. Through a network of compassionate and highly trained experts, 211 connects you with local or state resources and services to match your unique needs. 
  • Palm Beach County COVID-19 Vaccination Planning (Per Palm Beach County): Pursuant to direction from Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Health and local health departments are responsible for receipt and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine on behalf of the State. Palm Beach County staff are working closely with the Department of Health Palm Beach County and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County to distribute the vaccine in accordance with the Governor’s priorities. Their local efforts will be in addition to the direct rollouts of the vaccine by the State of Florida or direct deliveries by federal agencies or contractors. Their strategies will include designated PODs (points of dispensing) at both fixed and mobile locations that will be accessible by walk-up and/or drive-up. Local distribution plans do not include nursing home and long-term care facilities which are being handled at the federal and state level. Additional announcements specific to public distribution within the County will be forthcoming from the County Health Department and the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management. 
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at Palm Beach County Library (Per Palm Beach County): The Palm Beach County Library System is partnering with the Palm Beach County (PBC) Food Bank to offer assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Benefit specialists from the PBC Food Bank will assist with the SNAP application process and conduct the food stamp interview. Specialists can also help with other benefit applications available through the ACCESS Florida system including Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Applicants must call to schedule an appointment at the following locations:
    • Mondays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Greenacres Branch - 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres 33467 Contact: Benefits Specialist Mario Mendez, 561-345-5085 (English/Spanish/Q’anjob’al)
    • Mondays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jupiter Branch - 705 Military Trail, Jupiter 33458 Contact: Benefits Specialist Gustavo Amador, 561-329-5931 (English/Spanish)
    • Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hagen Ranch Road Branch - 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach 33446 Contact: Benefits Specialist James Vil, 561-894-7500 (English/Creole)
    • 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Glades Road Branch - 20701 95th Avenue South, Boca Raton 33434 Contact: Benefits Specialist Riquet Lucien, 561-482-4554 (English/Creole)
    • Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. – starting Feb. 17 West Boynton Branch - 9451 Jog Road, Boynton Beach 33437 Contact: Benefits Specialist James Vil, 561-734-5556 (English/Creole)
    • 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Okeechobee Boulevard Branch - 5689 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33417 Contact: Benefits Specialist Riquet Lucien, 561-233-1880 (English/Creole)
    • 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Royal Palm Beach Branch - 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach 33411 Contact: Benefits Specialist Riquet Lucien, 561-790-6030 (English/Creole)
    • Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Main Library - 3650 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33406 Contact: Benefits Specialist Mario Mendez, 561-345-5085 (English/Spanish/Q’anjob’al)
  • ELC Childcare Scholarships program available -- To learn more, click here!
  • PBC, Legal Aid Society establish FREE legal assistance program with for COVID-19 landlord/tenant disputes: Click here to learn more!

     

  • Interactive Map of Palm Beach County Food Sites: Click here!
  • SNAP Application Assistance: The City’s Housing and Community Development Department will help residents with food stamps applications. Call (561) 822-1274 (TTY: 800-955-8771) to schedule an appointment.

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    CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH OPERATIONS, REOPENINGS:

  • City of West Palm Beach Parks Amenities – OPEN
  • Grassy Waters Preserve (select facilities) – OPEN
    • Cypress Boardwalk
    • Hog Hammock Trail,
    • Eagle Trail (fishing pier remains closed for maintenance),
    • Owahee Trail,
    • Watershed Management Entrance, 8537 Northlake Boulevard, and
    • Apoxee Entrance, 3125 Jog Road
    • Nature Center remains closed, and no on-site programs are currently being offered.
  • Public Meetings: The City of West Palm Beach has resumed in-person Commission and CRA meetings. In keeping with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines as well as PBC’s directive on face coverings, face coverings will be required for entry into City Hall and Commission Chambers. Social distancing protocols are to be followed. Temperature checks are conducted upon entry to City Hall.While the public may be present to provide comment during in-person City Commission and CRA meetings, the public will still have the option of providing their comments electronically. To submit a typewritten public comment electronically, please visit the City’s public comment portal on the City’s website. Please visit: https://www.wpb.org/i-want-to/public-comment. City Commission meetings, CRA meetings and other select City public meetings are broadcast on WPB-TV, which may be viewed on Comcast’s Channel 18, on the City's website, or on social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter).
  • Mandel Public Library: The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach is open to business with limited in-person services and reduced hours. Patrons will be able to browse the library’s collection. Library materials that are checked out and used will be subject to quarantine before being returned to library shelves. Computer use will be limited to three hours per day based on availability. For more information, click here!
  • Trolley Service: City of West Palm Beach trolley service has been suspended until further notice.

    TESTING & HEALTH:

  • Ballpark of the Palm Beaches

    5444 Haverhill Rd., West Palm Beach, 33407

    Drive-through site

    Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

    Any age; with or without symptoms

    Testing in the order of arrival; no appointment needed

    PCR/Molecular Testing
    Rapid Antigen Testing

    To preregister with your information for testing go to: https://ops.patientportalfl.com/s/

  • Health Care District of PBC (HCD) C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinic at Lakeside Medical Center

    39200 Hooker Hwy, Belle Glade, 33430
    Walk-up site, appointments recommended; Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. – Noon
    Any age; with or without symptoms
    Call 561-642-1000 for an appointment
    PCR Molecular Testing and Rapid Antigen Testing

  • HCD C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinic Jupiter

    411 W. Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, 33458
    Walk-up site, appointments recommended; Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
    Any age; with or without symptoms
    Call 561-642-1000 for an appointment
    PCR Molecular Testing and Rapid Antigen Testing

  • HCD C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinic Delray Beach

    225 S. Congress Ave, Delray Beach, 33445
    Appointments only; Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Any age; with or without symptoms
    Call 561-642-1000 for an appointment
    PCR Molecular Testing and Rapid Antigen Testing

  • HCD “Scout” and “Hero” Mobile Clinic Outreach       

    Walk-up site, any age; with or without symptoms
    Varying locations and hours as scheduled
    PCR Molecular Testing and Rapid Antigen Testing

  • FAU Tech Runway at Florida Atlantic University

    901 NW 35th Street, Boca Raton, 33431
    Walk up site, Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    Any age, with or without symptoms
    PCR/Molecular and Rapid Antigen Testing 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. No appointment necessary (beginning Tuesday)

    To preregister with your information for testing go to: https://ops.patientportalfl.com/s/

  • Town Center at Boca Raton Mall 6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, 33431, at the Sears parking lot

    Walk up site; every day from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    Any age; with or without symptoms
    No appointment necessary.
    PCR/Molecular and Rapid Antigen Testing

  • 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    IMPORTANT NUMBERS & LINKS

  • Questions: Questions for the City can be emailed to 822@WPB.ORG. The Mayor’s Special Response Hotline is (561) 822-2222.
  • Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline: The Florida Health COVID Call Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID19@flhealth.gov.
  • COVID-19 Compliance Task Force: This task force receives and follows up on reports of non-compliance related to CDC and State guidelines for operating businesses. To report potential violations, call (561-24COVID or send an email to CovidCompliance@pbcgov.org.
  • Text updates: For updates about the vaccine and distribution from Governor Ron DeSantis test FLCOVID19 to 888777.
  • Helpful links/phone/text updates:
  • City of West Palm Beach COVID-19 Resource Page: Click here!

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EXECUTIVE ORDERS:

  • To view City, County and State executive orders pertaining to the public health emergency, click here!
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