DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — In one of the most bizarre media advisories we’ve seen the past two weeks, the City of Delray Beach is ordering most businesses closed immediately. But most businesses are exempt.
Read it yourself:
Today, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Delray Beach is closing all non-essential retail and commercial establishments, effective immediately, until March 31, 2020. The decision was made in coordination with Palm Beach County Emergency Management and in accordance with State and Federal guidelines to ensure the health and safety of those most at risk of contracting COVID-19, including seniors and those with pre-existing health conditions. Medical facilities, doctors’ offices and pharmacies are not affected by this order and will remain open. Restaurants may provide delivery or take-out only. Delray Beach is closing these businesses based on recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Palm Beach County and the State of Florida Department of Health. These recommendations may become more stringent as the number of COVID-19 cases in Palm Beach County grows.
Essential Businesses Remaining Open
- Healthcare providers, including, but not limited to, hospitals, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, urgent care centers, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physical therapists, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, therapists, and pharmacies
- Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks and convenience stores
- Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing
- Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
- Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services
- Automobile dealerships
- Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities
- Banks and related financial institutions
- Hardware stores
- Contractors and other tradesmen, appliance repair personnel, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other structures
- Mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes
- Private colleges, trade schools, and technical colleges, but only as needed to facilitate online or distance learning
- Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers
- Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, may continue to do so on the condition that the food is provided to members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only
- Businesses that supply office products needed for people to work from home
- Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate, and which do not interact with the general public
- Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, or services directly to residences
- Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services via automobile, truck, bus, or train
- Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children
- Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and adult day care centers, and senior residential facilities
- Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities
- Landscape and pool care businesses, including residential landscape and pool care services
- Childcare facilities
- Businesses operating at any airport, seaport, or other government facility, including parks and government offices;
- Pet Supply stores
- Logistics providers, including warehouses, trucking, consolidators, fumigators, and handlers
- Telecommunications providers, including sales of computer or telecommunications devices and the provision of home telecommunications
- Provision of propane or natural gas
- Office space and administrative support necessary to perform any of the above- listed activities
- Open construction sites, irrespective of the type of building
- Architectural, engineering, or land surveying services
- Factories, manufacturing facilities, bottling plants, or other industrial uses
- Waste management services, including collection and disposal of waste
- Any business that is interacting with customers solely through electronic or telephonic means, and delivering products via mailing, shipping, or delivery services
- Private and municipal marinas and boat launches, docking, fueling, marine supply and other marina services
- Mortuaries, funeral homes, and cemeteries
- Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments and temporary vacation rentals. However, restaurants, bars, and fitness centers in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments remain closed or restricted
- Veterinarians and pet boarding facilities
All Delray Beach parks, beaches, beach parking and recreational facilities in the City of Delray Beach shall close effective immediately. Parking enforcement will be suspended until March 31, 2020.
LOCAL JOURNALISM SUPPORTER.
