March 25, 2020 4:07 PM
COVID-19 Update March 25
In the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of our community, Wellington is taking every responsible action to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Village Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Staff will continue working to provide services to residents.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-83, directing the State Surgeon General and State Health Officer to issue a public health advisory to all persons over 65 years of age urging them to stay at home and take measures necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
The same public health advisory was issued to persons that have a serious underlying medical condition that places them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Consistent with CDC guidelines, those conditions include, but are not limited to:
• Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma;
• Serious heart conditions;
• Immunocompromised status, including those undergoing cancer treatment; and
• Severe obesity
COVID-19 is expected to spread, and the number of cases is expected to rise. Health officials urge everyone to practice social distancing by avoiding crowds, staying indoors, and limiting travel for essential needs only. We all must do our part to flatten the curve of this virus.
VILLAGE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
All Wellington programming and events are cancelled until further notice.
Village Hall, including the Building Department, is closed to the public. Assistance with Planning & Zoning, Engineering, the Building Department, or Code Compliance is outlined below:
• Village Services: including utilities, public works, and sanitation services continue to operate.
• Online Services: We encourage everyone to take advantage of our online services. For a list of services that may be accessed online, please visit our How Do I webpage.
Building
• All permits will be processed electronically.
• To start the permit process email the completed permit application to Buildingdocs@wellingtonfl.gov. Once your application is entered you may follow the standard online permit process. Instructions and guidance available online at https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/269/Guide-to-Permitting
• Customers who regularly submit Water Heater and Air Conditioning Replacement permits by paper must email the completed permit application and supporting documents to Buildingdocs@wellingtonfl.gov for processing. We will then process your request, email you a link for payment and then email the approved permit once payment is made.
• For any assistance please call (561) 753-2430
Code Compliance
• Wellington’s Code Compliance Division remains operational.
• Public interaction will be by appointment only. Customers and respondents that need assistance, email code@wellingtonfl.gov or call (561) 753-2560.
Engineering
• Meetings with the Engineering Department will be on an appointment basis only and will be limited to email at engineering@wellingtonfl.gov and phone calls, (561) 791-4002.
Planning & Zoning
• Email planninginfo@wellingtonfl.gov for assistance or call (561) 791-4000.
Utility Payments
• Water & wastewater Utility services continue to operate normally.
• To pay your water bill, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/waterbill or call (561) 753-2418 (press 1, then 1)
Wellington has activated two call centers:
• Village Hall 561-791-4000
• 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.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
• Senior Services: The following services are 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.
• Visit our COVID-19 Community Resources webpage to learn about other resources available to our community.
CLOSURES & CANCELLATIONS
The following facilities are closed until further notice:
• Village Park Gymnasium
• Amphitheater
• Community Center
• Lake Wellington Professional Center
• Aquatics Complex
• Tennis Center
Closures and Cancellations: For a complete list of Village closures/cancellations, visit our COVID-19 Events, Programs, & Meeting Cancellations webpage.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Message 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.
• 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
• 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.
• As recommended by the Florida Department of Health, if you think you may have COVID-19 or are showing any symptoms, call your doctor or local hospital before leaving your home.
RUMOR CONTROL
• All vital services, including water utilities and sanitation, continue despite the closure of Village Hall and other Wellington facilities.
• 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.
• 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.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Wellington is coordinating efforts with our local chambers of commerce, and local business leaders regarding the impacts that COVID-19 will have on businesses and employees.
Businesses Resources: We’ve 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.
FOOD AND GROCERY UPDATES
• Aldi stores will open at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and reserve the first hour of business for vulnerable shoppers. This includes senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns.
• Publix Stores and Pharmacies will be open early from 7 AM – 8 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for customers 65+ to shop ahead of the crowds.
• Whole Foods will open at 7 AM daily for customers 60+.
• Target will allow for the first hour of shopping on Wednesdays only for the most vulnerable customers – 65+, pregnant women and CDC-defined vulnerable or at-risk.
• Walmart, beginning on Tuesday, March 24th and for each Tuesday after through April 28, will open one hour early for customers 60+.
• Please check with your local grocery to confirm these details.
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.