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City of West Palm Beach Weekly COVID-19 Update

Post Date:04/29/2021 1:32 PM

SUMMARY: Palm Beach County Mortgage Assistance online application to open for homeowners in Palm Beach County on Friday, May 7, 2021. Emergency Rental, Relocation and Utility Assistance online portal is scheduled to reopen on May 3, 2021. Continue to take precautions against COVID-19.

VACCINES:

  • City of West Palm Beach Vaccine Site (ProtectWPB): Click here for information www.ProtectWPB.com !
  • The Health Care District of Palm Beach Online Appointment Scheduling for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines: The Health Care District of Palm Beach County encourages individuals 16 years and older to self-schedule their first-dose appointments for the Pfizer vaccine online at http://vaccine.hcdpbc.org [vaccine.hcdpbc.org].Appointment dates are available 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.
  • Vaccines for Homebound Seniors: The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is providing vaccine appointments for homebound seniors. The state encourages homebound individuals to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their home by filling out the survey available here, emailing HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com or by calling 866-779-6121. Someone from the Florida Division of Emergency Management will contact you within 72 hours to collect more information and schedule your appointment.
  • Interactive Vaccination Locator Map, 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:
    • 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!
    • West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Offering COVID-19 Vaccines: According to the VA, “the VA is providing the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines, as authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Supply varies by facility.” To schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine appointment, please call (561) 422-5220. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines at VA, visit www.va.gov/covidvaccine/. At this time, the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is offering COVID-19 vaccines to these 2 groups first, when the Veteran is eligible based on VA and CDC risk criteria:
      • Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care or currently receive care at VA, and
      • Designated primary and secondary family caregivers who are enrolled in our Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and come with the Veteran to get a vaccine

        These groups are now also eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as supply allows:

      • All Veterans
      • All Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
      • All Caregivers of Veterans. For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran. Caregivers may help a Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help a Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation.
      • All Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits

    Note: If you have received any vaccine, such as the Flu or Shingles vaccine, you will need to wait 14 days from the date of that vaccination before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

    RESOURCES:

    • NEW - Mortgage Assistance for Palm Beach County Homeowners: The Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability announces the availability of the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Mortgage Assistance funds.  This program will provide emergency financial assistance to <80% (or less) AMI homeowners who suffered adverse financial impact from COVID-19, and are delinquent in their first mortgage and escrow payments (PITI).  Additionally, providing the homeowner is delinquent, funding may assist with second mortgages, late fees, condominium and homeowners’ association payments, special assessments, and other mortgage associated costs related to COVID-19. Up to 6 months of assistance (not to exceed $10,000) will be provided to income eligible households who are at least one-month delinquent (after February 29, 2020) in their home mortgage, escrow payments (PITI) and/or condominium and homeowners’ association payments.  Assistance cannot be used to cover payments already made; and will be provided as a grant or a forgivable loan. All requests for assistance will be reviewed based on approved criteria.  To qualify, all homeowners must demonstrate that the costs are directly tied to COVID-19.  Additional criteria include but is not limited to:  income eligibility, residence must be owner occupied, not under contract or listed for sale within the past 60 days, property must be in Palm Beach County, and the assessed value cannot exceed $331,888. All applications must be submitted online and will be processed on a first come, first eligible basis. The online application will open on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., and close Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:59pm.  Applications can be accessed at the County’s Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability’s website: http://pbcgov.com/hes.
    • 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.
    • 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. 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.

      •  

      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!
    • Palm Beach County Health Care District Vaccine Information Page
      Publix Pharmacy Vaccine Information Page
    • Senior Hotline: 866-201-6754
    • FDOH COVID-19 Statistical Data: To view data, click here!

    EXECUTIVE ORDERS:

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