Palm Beach TV – November 25, 2020

• 224 confirmed cases in the Town of Palm Beach: 10 deaths.
• 69,535 confirmed cases in Palm Beach County: 1,687 deaths.
• 1,044,548 confirmed cases in the State of Florida: 18,383 deaths.
• 12,563,201 confirmed cases in the US: 259,641 deaths.
• 59,628,581 confirmed cases worldwide: 1,406,449 deaths.

COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE

• The United States is currently experiencing a period of exponential growth in COVID-19 infections, with over 1.2 million new cases in the last 7 days alone. The State of Florida, Palm Beach County, and Town continue to see increasing rates of new infections, with a 16.7% increase in new cases this past week within the Town.
• We can work together to slow down the spread if everyone wears a mask when outside of their home. But remember – the first line of defense is to social distance by avoiding THE THREE C’s – CLOSED spaces with poor ventilation, CROWDED spaces with many people nearby, and CLOSE-CONTACT settings such as close-range conversations.

CDC GUIDELINES FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

• The CDC has advised that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving 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 getting or spreading COVID-19. Click on the link at the end of this update for information on how to enjoy a safe Thanksgiving celebration.

GET YOUR FLU SHOTS NOW

• Public health officials are strongly urging residents to contact their health care provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks to offer protection.
• Getting the flu shot each year is important but reducing illness and hospitalization from flu is even more critical this year to protect frontline health care workers and hospital systems who will continue to care for people with COVID-19 and other illnesses.
• Both the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, but until there is a steady vaccine supply against COVID-19, the way to prevent these two viruses from circulating at the same time is to get your flu vaccine now.

MANDATORY FACE COVERINGS ORDER REMAIN IN EFFECT

• Masks or face coverings MUST be worn by all persons within the Town while visiting or working in any businesses, establishment, or residential buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, retail establishments, hotels, grocery stores, gyms, pharmacies, indoor recreational facilities, houses of worship, government buildings, multifamily buildings, and vehicles for hire.
• Face coverings MUST also be worn by all persons in outdoor public places where social distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible.
• MASKS MUST BE WORN PROPERLY – Please ensure masks and other acceptable face coverings are worn completely over the NOSE and MOUTH when in the presence of others. When removing masks, only touch the strings or ear loops. Do not touch the actual face covering to avoid contaminating your hands. Masks should be washed or disposed after wearing them.
• With Phase 3 re-opening now in effect, it is extremely important that residents, employees, and visitors continue to AVOID THE THREE C’s – CLOSED spaces with poor ventilation, CROWDED spaces with many people nearby, and CLOSE-CONTACT settings.