BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Media Advisory from Palm Beach County) — At the February 27 Zoning Board meeting, Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker gave an update on the county’s readiness for addressing the coronavirus, COVID 19, if needed.
To date, no confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Florida.
County officials are working closely with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County, the lead response agency when a communicable disease outbreak threatens.
Palm Beach County is preparing for the potential of community spread through a variety of collaborative and containment strategies. There will be ongoing dialogue and coordination with community partners, municipalities, hospitals, nonprofits, school officials, and other partners within the emergency management community.
The health department will continue to investigate, confirm and report any suspected cases to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Thus far, all locally investigated cases have simply been the flu, not coronavirus.
It should be noted that county officials and their community partners have successfully addressed threats posed by several communicable diseases in the recent past, including West Nile virus (2018), chikungunya (2017), Zika virus (2016), Ebola (2014) and H1N1 (2009).
Health officials recommend everyone do their part as it is currently flu season and advise that anyone who did not get a flu vaccination should do so, and to follow these preventive practices:
• • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially using the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face.
• • Avoid close contact with people who are sick or exhibit symptoms.
• • Stay home when you are sick.
• • If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and disinfect your hands.
• • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or an alcohol wipe.
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