PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: COVID-19 – YOUR THURSDAY UPDATE
Key NewsApril 3, 2020
An Update from the Village of Key Biscayne
Good Afternoon VKB Residents,
**Reminder: Virtual Special Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Tonight the Village will have its first virtual Special Council Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss COVID-19 emergency matters. The meeting notice provides instructions to participate in the virtual meeting have been made available and posted on both the Village website, bulletin boards and circulated via Village Connect.
Significant Developments:
* Positive Cases on the Key: As of 10:00 a.m. today, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) report indicates 22 positive COVID-19 cases on the Key. Data in this report are provisional and subject to change. We do not receive personal information about infected residents from the Department of Health. Click here for the latest FDOH data.
* COVID-19 on Village Website: Last night, we launched a few webpages within our existing website dedicated to COVID -19 to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. You can access the information from the home page or here.
* Beware of Cyber Criminals: A reminder to everyone to be extra vigilant when it comes to your internet usage, particularly with emails. The National Cyber Security Alliance has launched the COVID-19 Security Resource Library, to help individuals and organizations find resources and information on current scams, cyber threats, remote working, disaster relief, and more.
* KBStayHome: Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 a statewide stay-at-home order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and Executive Order 20-92 with clarifying language. We are still evaluating the impact of this Order on the Village. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. April 3. According to CDC data, Florida ranks sixth in the nation for positive COVID-19 cases. “We are going to be in this [coronavirus pandemic] for another 30 days, that’s just the reality,” DeSantis said during a news conference. “It makes sense to make this move now.” The Village of Key Biscayne is already preparing for impact and enforcement of this new order. More details to come soon.
* COVID-19 Testing Pilot Program: Yesterday, the Village of Key Biscayne launched a pilot mobile COVID-19 testing service on Key Biscayne. We have established a KB COVID Hotline 305-365-8910 for individuals 65 years-old and older experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The pilot could gradually increase contingent on feasibility and sustainability. Testing is made by appointment only. Key Biscayne Fire Rescue mobile testing unit will be dispatched to residences to conduct testing. We will provide more information as this pilot develops. To learn more about other existing testing locations in South Florida, please visit the Miami-Dade County COVID-19 webpage.
Latest updates from the Village of Key Biscayne:
* Condos on the Key: Pursuant to Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 15-20, the Village of Key Biscayne disseminated a Call-to-Action to condo associations and building managers via a dedicated e-mail, Village Connect e-mail, social media, community partners and KBPD. See attached Call-to-Action.
* Beach Closures: We’ve received reports that more people are NOT COMPLYING with the Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 06-20, dated March 18, 2020, stating that ALL parks, beaches and recreational facilities in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County are CLOSED, effective March 19, 2020. This closure was enacted to prevent spread of the COVID-19 infection by minimizing opportunities for contact between residents. Failure to obey the beach closure increases the possibility of COVID-19 spread, putting yourselves, your family, your friends and the community at risk. We want to win the fight against COVID-19. That means we must all do our part to stop the spread of this virus. We all need to be socially responsible and practice social distancing for the wellbeing of our entire Village. Remember, the best way to avoid COVID-19 is to avoid exposure. Continue to practice social distancing, maintaining a six-foot distance between yourself and other people. And obey Emergency Orders designed to protect your safety.
In other developments from Miami-Dade County, State, Federal and other agencies:
* #ThePlayground is a series of interactive videos that was created so you can enjoy Miami-Dade County Parks from the comfort and safety of your own home. These family-friendly videos include guided tours of our parks, animal interactions with Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill, fitness classes lead by professional trainers and more! Videos and other live interactions will take place on their Instagram page! You can also view these videos later on their Youtube page.
* Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities: The US Department of Justice and other federal agencies have developed technical assistance and resources to help state and local governments ensure that their emergency preparedness, response, and management programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Topics include:
o What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19
o Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act
* State of Florida Issues COVID-19 Updates: The State of Florida issued a comprehensive update last night April 1, we have enclosed the full update.
* Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 15-20: All pools, hot tubs, golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, fitness centers, gymnasiums and other common use amenities, whether of a commercial or non-commercial nature, are closed for all purposes.
* Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 16-20: Adult Day Cares within the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the County are hereby ordered to close, or otherwise cease all programs to deliver personal services to the elderly. For more information about what the county is doing visit their COVID-19 page.
* Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 17-20: Orders essential commercial and retail establishments that provide unpackaged food for consumption to limit capacity and monitor entrances and exits in areas where food is sold. Also orders closing of salad bars, self-serve food stations (except pre-packaged grab and go items) and encourages sanitary practices for employees and customers.
* Social Distancing Guidelines: President Trump has extended federal social distancing guidelines to April 30.
Now, a break from the news:
That’s it for this update. Have a good evening.
-Your Village of Key Biscayne
The Village is executing an abundance of caution to PROTECT our community. We will continue to COMMUNICATE Village-wide efforts and take necessary ACTION to keep the Village of Key Biscayne safe and healthy.
