In anticipation of Governor Ron DeSantis’s upcoming Executive Order, announced at his 5 pm press conference in Broward County yesterday, March 19th, 2020, additional community actions including restrictions on dine-in restaurant services, certain types of business establishments, and beaches, are expected to be identified for Palm Beach County on Friday, March 20, 2020. We will update our information as we are made aware of this.
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.
- 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. All permit submittals are being processed electronically and without person to person transfer of documentation. Inspections are being performed as usual when possible, at the inspector’s discretion and based on his/her evaluation of the circumstances encountered on site, particularly interior inspections of buildings. There is no physical transfer of documentation in the field. All required inspection documentation must be submitted electronically.
- Code Enforcement: Code Compliance is going out to businesses Village-wide to ensure they are following CDC and Village guidelines.
- PUBLIC UTILITIES: To ensure that our wastewater system functions properly, Public Utilities 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
- 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: Will be closed to the public.
PUBLIC SAFETY
- 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.
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.
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the National Guard will be assisting with community testing sites.
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 Offering Senior Shopping Hours: Target: first hour of shopping on Wednesdays 8am-9am, Whole Foods 7am-8am, Walmart: 7am-8:30am, Dollar General 8-9 am, Publix (Tuesday and Wednesday) 7 am - 8am for customers 65 and over. This will begin on March 24th. Publix Pharmacy will also be open at 7am on Tuesday and Wednesdays for senior population.
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.
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.