This in to PBTV
Tim Malloy Palm Beach TV
With 18 new cases just this week, the Town of Palm Beach continues to run ahead of Palm Beach County in per population Covid-19 infection rate. The worst fears of health professionals seem to be coming to fruition. Those concerns were spurred by a cluster of cases reported over the past month.
Kirk Blouin the Town Manager recommends residents report large gatherings to the Palm Beach Police. While no laws may have been broken, police can issue advisories and warnings.
The jump in cases is seen as an ominous precursor to what may come during Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years as the Town’s population surges.
The Civic Association urges residents and visitors to wear masks, stay socially distant and avoid large groups of people if not for their own protection, for that of others.
COVID-19 STATISTICS
- As of 4:00 PM today, the following cumulative COVID-19 data was provided by the Florida Department of Health. Please also note that reporting on COVID related deaths can be extremely delayed and should not be used as a week to week comparative metric.
o Town of Palm Beach: 300 cases (increase of 6.4% or +18 cases from 1 week ago) and 12 deaths.
o Palm Beach County: 73,079 cases (increase of 5.4% or +3,748 cases from 1 week ago) and 1,774 deaths.
o State of Florida: 1,134,383 cases (increase of 6.4% or +68,598 cases from 1 week ago) and 20,271 deaths.
o United States: 16,388,504 cases (increase of 10.1% or +1,504,538 cases from 1 week ago) and 300,267 deaths.
o Worldwide: 72,626,153 cases (increase of 7.7% or +5,185,289 cases from 1 week ago) and 1,618,509 deaths.
TOWN-WIDE CURFEW IN EFFECT FROM 1:00AM – 5:00AM
- A Town-wide Curfew is in effect from 1:00 AM until 5:00 AM daily. This curfew applies to all persons within the Town of Palm Beach, with the exception of law enforcement and public safety personnel, medical, work or school personnel, travel for religious services, or other travel authorized by law enforcement personnel.
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
- COVID-19 vaccinations have now been approved and begun shipping across the United States. Based upon the State of Florida’s plan, we expect that many of the Town’s residents who are over the age of 65 or those with underlying health conditions will be eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 2, which we anticipate to begin at the end of January or beginning of February. (Phase 1 will start this week and include health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.)
- Palm Beach Fire Rescue has registered with the State to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. We have an agreement with the County Health Department to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. And, we have trained all of our employees to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. As soon as those vaccines are available to us, Fire-Rescue plans on beginning vaccinations for those residents of the Town who meet the Phase 2 criteria.
- The great news about vaccines and the imminent distribution plans should bring comfort but should not cause us to let our guard down. Cases of new infection are still rising, so we urge residents to remain vigilant, wear their facemask, and practice social distancing.
SAFELY ENJOY THE WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON BY FOLLOWING CDC GUIDELINES
- The CDC has advised that the safest way to celebrate the winter holiday season is to celebrate at home with the people you live with, as gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of COVID-19 transmission.
- Unfortunately, many people chose not to follow the guidelines that were issued by the CDC for the Thanksgiving holiday, and now the entire nation is experiencing a more rapid increase of new COVID-19 infections.
- Protect yourself, your family, and your friends. Click on the link at the end of this update for tips and guidelines on how to enjoy a safe holiday season.
WEARING A MASK COMMUNICATES KINDNESS AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS
- A county-wide mask mandate remains in effect, requiring face coverings by all persons visiting or working in any businesses, establishment, or residential buildings. Face coverings MUST also be worn by all persons in outdoor public places where social distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible.
- The Town is urging its residents to do more. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces in Town, such as the Lake Trail and playground at Seaview Park, please show kindness and concern for others by wearing your mask when others are around, even if they are more than 6 feet away.
- There are so many factors we cannot control in this pandemic. The one element we can control is wearing a mask. Please do your part and be an example in your circle of influence. Wearing a mask does help mitigate the virus’ spread.
