March 23, 2020 5:11 PM
COVID-19 Update March 23
Wellington’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains at modified Level 2 status. Palm Beach County’s EOC is currently at Level 2 partial activation. Village officials are taking steps necessary to allow them to access state and federal funds and issue regulations on gatherings and public safety, including business hours and curfews.
• The Mall at Wellington Green announces, Monday, March 23, 2020, that it will close its doors at 7:00 PM with some exceptions:
o Dillard’s will remain open until further notice
o The Food Court and sit down restaurants are closed except California Pizza Kitchen, Lemongrass, and Ford’s Garage, May operate independently providing pick-up services
o The Mall will be on lockdown and tenants have been provided direction to contact security
• Palm Beach County School District FREE Feeding sites: School Food Service will continue serving meals to District students throughout the school closure. Nutritionally-balanced 'Grab and Go' meals will be offered at school locations around the District. The meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and are FREE to anyone under 18 years of age (under 22 for ESE students), regardless of financial need. Students must be present in order to receive the meal. Please pay close attention to variations in feeding site locations, as some change from week to week. For more information, please visit the Palm Beach County School Board Website. We have also added a link to this resource on our website.
• Boys & Girls Clubs provide free food to Palm Beach County families. Call the Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club at (561) 790-0343 for more information.
• Building Inspections: The Building Department is operating under normal schedule. Permit submittals are being processed electronically without person to person transfer of documentation. When possible inspections are being performed as usual, interior inspections require prior coordination. There is no physical transfer of documents in the field. All required inspection documents must be submitted electronically.
• Code Compliance: Code staff is delivering copies of the Governor’s orders and CDC guidelines to businesses Village-wide, particularly those which have been directed to close or modify operations.
• PUBLIC UTILITIES: To ensure that our wastewater system functions properly, Wellington’s Utility Department urges residents to avoid flushing wipes, including wipes advertised as “flushable.”
• Senior Services: The following services will be available to Wellington Senior Residents over the age of 60, ONLY:
Pre-Paid Prescription Pickup and Delivery Local (Within Wellington Area), Pre-Ordered and Paid Groceries Pickup and Delivery Local (Within Wellington Area), Senior Transportation Program Expanded to Unlimited rides in Wellington (to the doctor’s office, grocery store or pharmacy only). Call the Senior Call Center at 561-791-4796.
• Parks and Facilities: For more information on Parks hours of operations and closures visit wellingtonfl.gov/covid19closures
CLOSURES & CANCELLATIONS:
• New Closures: Village Park Gymnasium and the Community Center are closed until further notice. For questions relating to these facilities, call 561-791-4000.
• Village Hall: Vital Village services and functions continue without interruption at Village Hall. We have stepped up our cleaning efforts for the public and our employees at all of our facilities.
• Closures and Cancellations: For a list of Village closures/cancellations, please visit: wellingtonfl.gov/covid19closures
Wellington officials will continue to make determinations about future event cancellations and postponements, including concerts and large events taking place in the Village. In the meantime, residents are asked to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to reduce their risk. This is the time to evaluate your exposure and take all precautions necessary to reduce your chances of getting sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, take everyday precautions like washing your hands and disinfecting your home, avoid large crowds, and take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your exposure to the virus.
• Library: The library is closed to the public.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Important Information From Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center staff urge residents to help our healthcare professions by taking the following steps to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
• If you or your business has any surgical or N95 masks, drop them off at your local emergency department.
• There is a shortage of medical supplies and personal protective equipment such as masks. Most emergency departments have personnel at the visitor entrance who will gladly accept your donation.
• If you are concerned that you might have COVID-19 PLEASE self-quarantine. Not all of the patients who are seeking medical attention at local hospitals suffer from COVID-19. Every day, patients need immediate care for medical emergencies such as stroke, chest pain, broken bones or even trauma. If you are concerned that you might have COVID-19 PLEASE self-quarantine. For the vast majority of people who contract the virus, their symptoms will be mild and will not need medical intervention. If you experience difficulty breathing or have concerns that your symptoms are becoming significantly worse, then please seek medical attention. If your symptoms are not significantly progressing, please self-quarantine for 14 days during the time of your illness.
• Practice good hygiene. Our best defense against the spread of COVID-19 continues to be frequently hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Remember to be a good neighbor, and don’t hoard essentials like water, food, cleaning supplies or toilet paper. Purchase only the minimum you need and leave the rest for another family who is also in need of these same items.
• Finally, practice social distancing & continue to limit the number of trips you make. Support our local businesses by ordering take-out and delivery.
• Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office: Due to the Corona Virus outbreak, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is closing districts’ offices temporarily. However, that does not mean, they are not here for you. PBSO is still fully operational. For emergencies call 9-1-1. To file a police report call (561)688-3400 or visit our website.
• Palm Beach County Fire Rescue: Please don’t be alarmed when you see our Palm Beach County Fire Rescue firefighters responding to medical calls with extra protective layers, if patients meet certain criteria. It does NOT mean the patient has COVID19, it means they have similar symptoms. We are doing this to make sure we don’t expose ourselves or anyone else to the virus.
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center is Available 24/7
Call: 1 (866) 779-6121
Email: COVID-19@FLHealth.gov
For additional information and helpful links regarding COVID-19, please visit the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website at FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19
• You may also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website regarding COVID-19 at cdc.gov/COVID19
• Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline has been activated. If you experience price gouging or scams related to COVID-19 commodities, call 1-(866)-9NO-SCAM, or 1-866-966-7226 to file a report.
RUMOR CONTROL:
• A curfew has NOT been ordered for Palm Beach County. While the state has ordered the closure of nightclubs and bars through the end of the month, Wellington businesses have NOT been shut down. Restaurants and all businesses are encouraged to follow guidance from the CDC and the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Health.
• Our Call Centers (Village Hall 561-791-4000 & Senior Call Center 561-791-4796) are reserved for information about senior services; they are not intended to provide medical assistance. Please call your physician or the Florida Department of Health for health-related questions.
BUSINESS INFORMATION:
• Businesses: The Village commends local businesses who are following social distancing recommendations set by Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order; responsibly choosing to self-regulate.
• Businesses Resources: Wellington has created a dedicated Business Resource page on the village’s website. This page includes information relating to the IRS, Small Business Assistance programs, and more.
As recommended by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), if you think you may have COVID-19 or are showing any symptoms, call your doctor or local hospital before leaving your home. Questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, may be directed to FDOH’s call center, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-779-6121 or email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
Prevention Starts With You
The CDC urges everyone to do their part to help during this emerging public health threat, this includes:
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Take personal responsibility. If you are sick with a fever, cough or viral symptoms, please stay away from others, including the work environment and crowded areas
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease such as:
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible
During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, you can learn more about prevention and treatment by visiting the CDC website.
STAY INFORMED:
Wellington offers an easy way to stay informed about the Village’s response to COVID-19. Visit wellingtonfl.gov/NotifyMe and sign up to receive email notifications as soon as updates are published and available on the Website.
We will regularly update residents and business owners about Village closures, cancellations, and resources pertaining to COVID-19 through:
• Wellington’s website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• E-Newsletter
• Wellington TV
• Website Notifications
• Local media
Questions? Call Village Hall 561-791-4000 & our Senior Call Center 561-791-4796. These lines are reserved for information about senior services; they are not intended to provide medical assistance. Please call your physician or the Florida Department of Health for health-related questions.