Page 6 - Boca Exposure - July '20

Page 6, Boca Exposure
From The Desk Of Palm Beach County Commissioner Robert S.

Weinroth: Update On County Directives To Combat The Coronavirus

Robert Weinroth, a former supplemental funding provided by the federal government. COVID-19 Updates: The Board of County
member of the Boca Raton Food insecurity, already an issue within our county, has Commissioners unanimously approved mandating facial
City Council, was elected become more critical. Were it not for the helping hands of our coverings on June 23. The Executive Order requires masks
as a Palm Beach County nonprofit agencies, the urgent needs of our residents could or facial coverings to be worn in public places throughout
Commissioner to replace not be answered. Palm Beach County. Exempted are persons age 2 and under
Steven Abrams, who A future tsunami of mortgage foreclosures and evictions and individuals with respiratory conditions that preclude
retired due to term limits for tenants who have been protected by the governor’s the use of a mask. The order applies inside all buildings and
requirements. executive orders is likely to become a grim reality before outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Over the past few months, the end of the year. As a reminder, the county is currently under the
we’ve come to realize how But evidence of the rebound from the pandemic is already governor’s Executive Order of Full Phase 1 openings, which
our lives can be impacted by apparent. Businesses are beginning to reopen, albeit under a includes:
what occurs halfway around new set of guidelines being implemented to avoid creating a • Restaurants and food establishments at 50 percent with
the world. The little-known city of Wuhan, China (capital city new surge of infections impacting people vulnerable to the proper social distancing and outdoor seating encouraged;
of Hubei Province), will be forever linked with the misery complications associated with the virus. • Retail at 50 percent;
caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The question is how the pandemic will change our lives. • Museums and libraries at 50 percent;
With our daily routines shattered by multiple orders to Some changes (wearing face coverings and eschewing • Gyms and fitness centers at 50 percent and self-sanitize
self-isolate and suspend non-essential activities, we have handshakes and hugs) will likely disappear. machines and surfaces after use.
adjusted to what can only be termed the “new normal” as we Other changes (Plexiglas dividers, heightened attention to • Elective surgeries may continue if a facility has adequate
slowly resume activities while incorporating new safeguards the need to sanitize common surfaces and “social distancing”) PPW, hospital bed surge capacity and works with the local
to protect our health. are likely to remain a part of our environment – at least until a community to prevent and/or contain outbreaks in long-term
The real question is what impacts this episode will have large portion of our residents develop “herd immunity” (after care facilities.
on our lives. recuperating from the disease) or receive a vaccination, once • Barbershops, hair and nail salons may operate while
Near term, the economic disruptions caused by putting the developed. adhering to safety protocols effective May 11.
economy on pause will continue to reverberate as people who The disruption COVID-19 has caused to our lives is likely • Long-term care facilities: Visitation is prohibited and
had been living on the edge (paying their bills but lacking a to have long-term consequences. Distance learning, virtual hospitals required to test all individuals before discharge to
financial cushion to protect themselves from an unforeseen meetings and working remotely have been embraced for their long-term care facilities. Long-term care facilities required
emergency) have been forced to seek a lifeline to maintain efficiency. to transfer positive residents if not equipped for appropriate
basic necessities of food and shelter. Schools and universities will be challenged to develop a care.
Notwithstanding the infusion of trillions of dollars into hybrid of distance learning to use facilities more effectively, • Amusement parks may submit re-opening plan to the
the economy by the federal government to forestall economic while reintroducing personal contact between student and state.
gridlock, employment, income and spending peaked in instructor. On June 3, the county requested the governor include
February and then went into freefall as the pandemic shut Employers and employees, having recognized the benefits Palm Beach County in the Phase 2 limited openings. As
down businesses across the country, marking the start of the (and shortfalls) of allowing employees greater freedom to of this writing, the governor has not approved this request
first United States recession after a record-breaking eleven work remotely, are more apt to embrace the continuation due to the recent spike in positive cases.
years of economic growth. of this practice as it reduces the stress of commuting while For additional information on all executive orders and
Our social services network has been pressed to the prompting greater efficiencies in the allocation of business more, visit http://discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus/Pages/
breaking point. Hospitals were unprepared for the onslaught resources (e.g., space, equipment and real estate). Orders.aspx.
of patients (lacking adequate personal protection equipment, People will be less willing to accept crowded cityscapes in COVID-19 Compliance Hotline. The county recently
respirators, staff and rooms). The state unemployment the future. Being jammed into a bus or train is going to be a announced the formation of the COVID Education
compensation program was ill equipped to deal with disquieting prospect for many after the rampant transmission Compliance Team (CECT), which will work to educate
the unprecedented influx of new claims, even with the of the virus linked to those modes of transpiration. and bring businesses into compliance with state and local
Attendance at venues with a large number of people (e.g., enforcement orders required by the governor.
theatres, stadiums, amusement parks and convention halls) For more information or to report a complaint,
will need to be reengineered to address people’s desire for please call (561) 24COVID (561) 242-6843 or email:
greater social distancing. covidcompliance@pbcgov.org
Shopping is also an activity that was already seeing a For more information on COVID-19 related matters and
migration from in-store to online purchases. The pandemic programs such as food distribution centers, libraries and
has only accelerated this move. The recent announced demise rent/utility assistance, please visit http://discover.pbcgov.
of several national retailers will likely be but the beginning org/coronavirus/Pages/Orders.aspx and sign up for my
of a continuing line of store closings and consolidations. newsletter blasts at http://discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus/
The disruptive power of the experience we have endured Pages/Orders.aspx.
during the current pandemic will likely have far greater long-
term impacts on our society.