Following is an update from the City of Fort Lauderdale on the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Florida Enters Phase 3 of COVID-19 Reopening
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has moved the state into the third and final phase of the COVID-19 reopening plan. The Governor’s Executive Order 20-244 allows all businesses, including bars, nightclubs and other establishments previously closed by local emergency orders, to reopen. It also suspends COVID-19-related fines and penalties for individuals. Broward County has issued Emergency Order 20-26 and Emergency Order 20-25 along with numerous attachments that help explain how businesses and residents should move forward during the Phase 3 reopening. To access Broward County's emergency orders and attachments, visit https://bit.ly/33eZwfW.
Department of Health Information
According to the Florida Department of Health, as of September 28, 2020, from approximately 19,223 daily COVID-19 tests conducted statewide, there were 813 positive results and 18,410 negative results for a positive rate of 4.23%. There were also 5 reported deaths. In Broward County, from approximately 1,607 daily tests conducted, there were 28 positive results and 1,579 negative results for a positive rate of 1.74%. In total, results from 565,039 tests administered in Broward County indicated 487,281 negative results, 76,874 positive results, and 884 inconclusive results. To see the latest data from the FDOH, visit bit.ly/2wb29D2 or bit.ly/2ZfwR9n.
Avoid the Three Cs
The City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Department of Health remind everyone to protect themselves and others by avoiding the Three Cs: Closed Spaces, Crowded Places, and Close-Contact Settings and by wearing a facial covering in public:
- Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
- Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person.
- Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least six-feet from others.
In addition to avoiding the three Cs and wearing facial coverings in all public spaces, individuals should continue to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others; stay home when sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; clean and disinfect countertops and frequently used surfaces often; and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). For additional prevention tips, visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/prevention.
Census Deadline Approaching – 2 Days Left to Raise the Count!
The 2020 U.S. Census will end on September 30, meaning there are only 2 days left for City of Fort Lauderdale residents to help raise the count! Currently, Fort Lauderdale’s response rate is 56.5%, which is nearly 10 percentage points behind the national response rate of 66.4%, and nearly 7 percentage points below the state of Florida response rate of 63.2%. If you have not done so already, please complete the 2020 Census today! Fill out and mail back the questionnaire sent to your home; complete the census online at www.my2020census.gov; or take the census by phone by calling 1-844-330-2020.
Voter Registration Deadline Approaching
The Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office reminds everyone about the following important deadlines related to the November 3 General Election: October 5 is the last day to register to vote in the General Election on November 3; October 24 is the last day to request a mail-in ballot for the General Election on November 3. Early Voting for the November 3 General Election will take place from October 19 - November 1 from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily. For a list of early voting locations, visit bit.ly/31E54zV. Voting on Election Day, November 3, will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Supervisor of Elections Office website at www.browardsoe.org.
Weekly Food Distribution at Mills Pond Park on October 1
The next drive-thru food distribution event hosted by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors will take place on Thursday, October 1 beginning at 9 a.m. at Mills Pond Park, located at 2201 NW 9 Avenue. Produced in partnership with Feeding South Florida, the event provides healthy and nutritious food to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis (while supplies last). Recipients must remain in their vehicles and will be instructed to open their trunk when volunteers are ready to load it. To access Mills Pond Park, please enter from southbound NW 9 Avenue. For more details, visit bit.ly/2K8cnrn. For more information about Feeding South Florida, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org. To make a donation to Feeding South Florida, please visit bit.ly/2WJVl8Y.
Free Admission to NSU Art Museum for City Residents Through Sept. 30
The NSU Art Museum announces extra Free Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Days! Now through September 30, City of Fort Lauderdale residents can receive free admission to the NSU Art Museum and enjoy all the exhibitions including Happy!, Transitions and Transformations, I Paint My Reality: Surrealism in Latin America and William J. Glackens: From Pencil to Paint. Admission is free with a valid photo identification, driver's license, or residential utility bill with proof of Fort Lauderdale address. For details, along with the Museum’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, visit https://nsuartmuseum.org.
Free Facebook Boost Training for Small Businesses on September 30
Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development has partnered with Facebook to provide local small businesses with free Facebook Boost Training. The virtual training session will take place on Wednesday, September 30, at 3:00 p.m. via Facebook Live at Facebook.com/BrowardCountyOESBD. Participants will learn about the Facebook and Instagram tools that are available to help them connect with customers, manage their digital presence, and grow their business. For details and to register visit, bit.ly/3kk3mLG.
Mass District to Host Drive-in Movie Night on October 1
Jack & Jill’s Young Professionals Group in partnership with the Jack & Jill Children’s Center and the Mass District will present a double-feature Drive-in Movie Night. The event will take place on Thursday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m. in the Mass District, located at 844 NE 4 Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Featured screenings will include the 2008 comedy “Step Brothers,” and the 1993 Disney family film “Hocus Pocus.” Admission is $30 per vehicle for one film or $40 per vehicle for both movies. For details and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/2EjXrXW.
Chamber’s “Saluting Excellence in Business and Beyond” Event Set for October 1
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce will host “Saluting Excellence in Business and Beyond,” a virtual celebration of outstanding individuals and businesses that will take place on Thursday, October 1, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This year’s honorees include Downtowner of the Year: Jim Ellis Founder, Ellis Diversified, Inc.; Hall of Fame Honoree: Feeding South Florida; and Broward Business of the Year: Urban League of Broward County. The event is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. For more details and to register, visit bit.ly/3aTSpNJ.
BCPS Plans to Reopen for In-Person Learning Oct. 14 and Oct. 20
Broward County Public Schools plans to begin a staggered reopening for in-person learning on Wednesday, October 14 with additional students having the opportunity to return to building classrooms on Tuesday, October 20. Under the current plan, pre-K and kindergarten students, along with those in grades 1, 2, 6, and 9, as well as students with special needs would return on October 14. All other grade levels would begin in-person learning on October 20. The Broward County School Board is expected to officially vote on the final reopening plan at its October 6 Board Meeting. For details, visit www.browardschools.com.
CareerSource Broward Offers Webinars for Job Seekers
CareerSource Broward offers a variety of webinars for job seekers. The free online workshops focus on a wide range of job-readiness topics including: Job Search Methods That Work, Networking: the Power of People, Video Interview Skills, Résumé Preparation, Soft Skills: Getting and Keeping the Job, Interview Coaching and Practice Session, Telephone Interview Skills, Social Networking Online, and more. For more details and a complete schedule of offerings, visit bit.ly/2ziGHNA.
Find Local COVID-19 Statistics on Broward County Dashboard
To help residents understand the impact of the pandemic locally, Broward County is posting a daily statistical dashboard of COVID-19 indicators. The data includes statistics on number of positive cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations, hospital capacities, and deaths. To view the dashboard, visit bit.ly/2CncuPv.
For Additional Information
For additional information regarding Coronavirus, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended protective measures, please visit:
