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City of West Palm Beach Weekly COVID-19 Update

Post Date:04/23/2021 9:56 AM

SUMMARY: The City of West Palm Beach is accepting walk-up appointments today for COVID-19 vaccines at Gaines Park. Continue to take precautions against COVID-19. Wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and wash your hands. Be safe!

VACCINES:

  • NEW - WALK-UP COVID VACCINATIONS: City of West Palm Beach Vaccine Site (ProtectWPB): West Palm Beach Fire Department is administering first doses of the Moderna vaccine today until 2 p.m. (or until supply runs out), at Gaines Park, 1501 N. Australian Avenue. Walk-ups accepted. No appointment needed. You must be available 28 days after to receive your 2nd dose. The state-approved mass vaccination site is located at the Mary V. McDonald Wilson Center in Gaines Park, 1501 N. Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach. WPBFD administers vaccines weekly (Thursday – Saturday) through July 2021, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. To make an appointment with the City of West Palm Beach, you must visit the ProtectWPB website at www.ProtectWPB.com or call (561) 200-3687 (TTY: 800-955-8771).
  • Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: According to Palm Beach County, “as recommended by the CDC and FDA, distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is being paused to allow for review of a small number of cases of blood clots experienced by vaccine recipients.  The Health Care District of Palm Beach County and local Health Department use of this vaccine is on hold pending further notice from the CDC and FDA.  Strike team pop-up vaccination sites under the direction of the Florida Department of Health are also temporarily suspended in response to this notice.  Distribution of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is unaffected by this action.”
  • City of West Palm Beach Vaccine Site (ProtectWPB): The City of West Palm Beach is administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for FREE to 1,000 people every week (Thursday – Saturday) through July 2021, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. The state-approved mass vaccination site is located at the Mary V. McDonald Wilson Center in Gaines Park, 1501 N. Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach. The West Palm Beach Fire Department will administer the vaccine by appointment only and to individuals who have preregistered (no walkups) with the City of West Palm Beach. To make an appointment with the City of West Palm Beach, you must visit the ProtectWPB website at www.ProtectWPB.com or call (561) 200-3687 (TTY: 800-955-8771).
  • The Health Care District of Palm Beach Online Appointment Scheduling for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines: On Thursday, April 15, 2021, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County will open 16,380 first-dose appointments of Pfizer vaccine for self-scheduling online at http://vaccine.hcdpbc.org [vaccine.hcdpbc.org].Appointment dates will be available between Tuesday, April 20 through Thursday, May 6, 2021.Individuals 16 years and older are eligible to self-schedule appointments for the Pfizer vaccine brand.The website lists the available dates, locations, vaccine brand and eligibility requirements at each of the Health Care District's three mass vaccination sites at the South County Civic Center west of Delray Beach, the Burns Road Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens, and the South Florida Fairgrounds in suburban West Palm Beach. It is essential that individuals follow the state eligibility guidelines when scheduling to avoid being turned away at the sites. A parent or guardian must be present at the appointment of those who are 16 and 17 years old. As additional vaccine and appointments are available, the Health Care District will continue to notify the community that the online self-scheduler is open. For those with no internet access, the Health Care District's helpline at 561-804-4115 is available to assist in English, Spanish and Creole.
  • Interactive Vaccination Locator Map, click here!
  • Cumulative Map of 65+ Population that has been Vaccinated: To view Palm Beach County’s cumulative map on the percentage of 65 and over population vaccinated by zip code, click here! The map is cumulative from December 2020 - February 2021.
  • Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine: According to the CDC, “COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.”Visit the CDC website for more information by clicking here!
  • Vaccines for Homebound Seniors: The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) recently announced a new way for homebound seniors to sign up to have a COVID-19 vaccine come directly to them. To put in your request, e-mail: HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com with your name and phone number. Someone from the FDEM will contact you within 72 hours to collect more information and schedule your appointment. At this time, FDEM is not accepting phone calls for homebound vaccination appointments.
  • Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: Eligible vaccination populations have been expanded in Florida, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders 21-46, 21-47, 21-62, 21-67 and 21-79, effective April 5, 2021, all Floridians shall be eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. PERSONS AGES 16-17:The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 16 and up. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines are authorized for persons age 18 and up. All individuals under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a guardian and complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form. To download a copy of the consent form, click here. For more information and to read the Governor’s executive order, click here!
  • Where to get the vaccine: Person 18 years of age and older (16 years and up for Pfizer vaccine) You can get vaccinated here:
    • 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, Relocation and Utility Assistance: Due to the high volume of applications, the Palm Beach County Community Services Department's online portal for Emergency Rental Assistance, Relocation Assistance and Utility Assistance is currently closed. The portal will reopen on May 3, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. For more information, click here.
    • NEW - COVID-19 Funeral Assistance: According to FEMA’s website, they began accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance on April 12, 2021. For more information, click here. To apply call 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. The Funeral Assistance phone line is experiencing high call volume, which is causing some technical issues. Please try again later if you get a busy signal or your call does not connect. There is no deadline to apply. Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA's representatives. Multilingual services will be available. Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application process on the Funeral Assistance FAQ page.
    • 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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