The County's decisions to place restrictions on certain businesses, on schools, and venues for recreation were not made lightly, considering the social and economic ramifications, but were deemed necessary to protect, to the best of our ability, the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors alike.  I understand the frustration expressed by many, but our measures were implemented through careful consideration by our Administration and Emergency Management Incident Command in consult with the Governor, the CDC, law enforcement, and many public health professionals.  As we study the course of this virus and its effects, it is the intent of your county government to get back to a fully functioning community as soon as possible.

Without question, our primary concern in this emergency is to do whatever we can to safeguard the health of our residents and prevent further loss of life.  Additionally, COVID-19 has had a crippling effect on the livelihoods of many people and will lead to a greater need for social services.  I am pleased that companies like Florida Power & Light are taking immediate steps to fast track savings to customers.  Palm Tran and TriRail have suspended fares and are operating on modified schedules.

The following information has been provided by Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center, for businesses affected by the onset of the virus:

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAU is providing support to Broward and Palm Beach County businesses impacted by COVID-19 in applying for state and federal disaster loans.  Florida SBDC disaster recovery specialists are available to provide no-cost, one-on-one confidential consulting to help business owners prepare disaster loan applications for the following loan programs and assist with other post-disaster challenges.  For loan application assistance, or help with other post-disaster challenges, visit us online at sbdc.fau.edu.

STATE: Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free loan available to small business owners located in Florida that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19. The program is meant to bridge the gap from the time of impact and when the business secures long-term assistance, such as insurance claims or an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. https://floridadisasterloan.org [r20.rs6.net]

FEDERAL: You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. You are eligible for a loan if you are a small business that employs 500 employees or fewer, or if your business is in an industry that has an employee-based size standard through SBA that is higher than 500 employees. For more information go to: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program.

U.S. SBA Economic Injury Business Disaster Loan is offered for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations. The purpose of this loan is to provide working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume. Eligible small businesses may qualify for a loan of up to $2,000,000 at an interest rate of 3.75 percent for a term of up to 30 years.  https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela [r20.rs6.net]

For individuals who need to apply for unemployment benefits, Governor DeSantis urges residents to apply online at http://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits.

During these extremely trying times, I think it is vital that we maintain our sense of community.  I've heard it said many times, that if you want to take your mind off your own problems, go help someone else.  Let's not lose sight of our neighbors, friends and relatives who may be alone or in need.  Text or phone people in your lives and see what you can do for them.  Even just an encouraging word to let them know that they're thought of may help more than you realize.

The County's Emergency Information Center remains open 7 days a week, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at (561) 712-6400.  As always, if I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at (561) 355-2201, or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org.