Page 1 - Boca ViewPointe - August '20

VOL. 28 NO. 8 www.seabreezepublications.com AUGUST 2020

The Information Age

By Justin Mocha, Director of Security Sometimes it is difficult to tell what is true and what credible? Use a search engine such as Google to search
isn’t on social media. This is why it is always best to for sentences from the report. Often you will find results
The current state of affairs locally and nationally has rely on local authorities for news on potential threats. on pages which have been published revealing the report’s
created some legitimate motivations for crime to occur. As I During the height of protests in our area, security received provenance and veracity.
mentioned in last month’s article, property crimes in general numerous reports of potential ‘bad actors’ marching their As your security provider, we are here to support all of
have been higher nationwide due to numerous factors. Locally, way towards West Boca with the intention of causing our residents, guests and vendors as best as we can during
the predominant factors according to law enforcement include property damage. These reports were claiming to be these times. In this day and age it is crucial we are all mindful
high unemployment and students out of school. Property crime sourced from the Boca Raton City Council and included that with the ease of sharing information, also comes the
directly associated with protesting activity has been low in our an image of the Council seal. ease of sharing disinformation. As always please feel free
area and the immediate surroundings. A quick check of Boca Raton’s City Council official to contact me directly with any questions or concerns at the
That all being said, the fear and unrest also has led Facebook and Twitter accounts revealed that these claims Boca Pointe office (561) 672-3309 or via e-mail at Justin.
to the propagation of misleading or untrue reporting of were falsely representing the City and were unverified. Mocha@Aus.com. 
threats to our communities. Boca Raton Police and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office issues
Let me be clear: we should all be vigilant! Effective similar statements.
security is a collaborative effort and we cannot maximize Local authorities will generally not obfuscate or Exercise Beats The
our effectiveness without the security resource that are our otherwise make it difficult to acquire information on
threats to the community. The surest way to verify whether
residents, guests and vendors. However, over the past few or not a threat report you find on social media is genuine COVID-19 Blues
months we have received several reports regarding potential
threats which originate from social media platforms. These is to go to the source. If that is not possible, consider the
stories get shared amongst social groups and the sole purpose evidence provided. Does it seem outlandish? Are there By Oris Martin
is to generate fear and anxiety. corroborating reports? Is the reporting party demonstrably The Coronavirus crisis
From The Desk Of has led to an increase in the

reported number of those
Commissioner Robert S. Weinroth struggling with stress, anxiety
and depression. Doctors
believe as many as one third
of Americans are exhibiting
Grappling with the user who has tested positive. Once the app is available, signs of physiological stress,
long-term impacts of the the county will initiate a public information campaign to and unfortunately expect this
pandemic will require announce its availability. number to only increase as the
a collaborative effort Additionally, there is a critical need for convalescent crisis lingers.
between government, plasma. People who have recovered from COVID-19 have If you struggle with depression, certainly seek the help of
business and each of us. antibodies to attack the virus in their plasma that can help a mental health professional, but there are also some effective
With the recent increase patients still fighting the coronavirus. To donate, check strategies to reduce stress and anxiety on your own.
in the percentage of positive with your local hospital such as Baptist Health (786-467- In addition to the many physical benefits, exercise
tests in Palm Beach County, 5400) and/or OneBlood (407-858-4939). is proven to have positive psychological effects on the
it is important for everyone The county remains under Phase One openings. body. During exercise, the body releases chemicals called
to remain vigilant! For example, restaurants and retail locations are only endorphins which trigger feelings of positivity, improved
Facial coverings are permitted to operate at 50% occupancy. The county has self-esteem and general contentment with one’s life.
mandatory in indoor public places and also outdoors when also restricted the hours of operations requiring restaurants Commitment to a regular exercise program helps you feel
you are unable to social distance. Please comply with this to close from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am. This also applies to relaxed, less stressed and anxious. Another often overlooked
directive to protect against inadvertent transmission of the banquet halls, kratom and kava lounges, and amusement benefit of exercise is its effect on sleep. Exercise is a natural
virus. parks. sleep aid. Stress and difficult situations can prevent many
The county is also in the process of mailing all residents As a reminder, the following businesses are not people from getting a good night’s rest. Exercise is proven
a package with four (two pleated and two cloth) masks currently allowed to open under Phase One: bars; to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
plus safety information. nightclubs, adult entertainment establishments, strip What type of exercise should you be doing? Any type
Contact tracing is a vital tool being used to slow the clubs; hookah, cigar, and other smoking bars and lounges; of aerobic exercise such as, walking, jogging, biking, low
spread of the virus. Please answer any calls identified tanning salons, bowling alleys; arcades; playhouses; impact aerobics, swimming or dancing. You can get additional
as FL DEPT OF HEALTH and/or FL HEALTH DEPT. concert houses; movie theaters; auditoriums; indoor benefits by engaging in an activity that you can do with
These are legitimate contact tracers calling to alert you entertainment venues, tattoo parlors, body piercing someone else, because social interaction and support are also
of a potential virus exposure. parlors, acupuncture venues, and massage parlors. important in combatting depression.
A “Combat COVID” app will be launched soon and will The COVID Education and Compliance Team (CECT), Mind-body exercises are also important tools in the battle
notify users if they come in close proximity to another app which conducts unannounced visits to businesses that against stress and depression. Meditation is the most widely
may not be following mask recognized mind-body exercise. It teaches stress management
and social distancing rules, skills, reduces negative self-emotions, and helps give a new
has been very effective. perspective on stressful situations. Other mind-body practices
To date, over 3,300 citizen include yoga, pilates, Tai Chi and Qigong. These exercises
complaints have been focus on breathing and meditation, which calms the body,
received. reduces blood pressure and stress levels.
To report a noncompliance Change is never easy. The COVID-19 crisis has forced us
issue concerning COVID-19 all to step outside our comfort zone. My goal for you is that at
the end of it, you will be better equipped to handle whatever
From The Desk Of life throws your way. 
on page 3