Mask Mandate Reinstated At Many County & City Facilities: Precautions Are Being Taken, Following An Alarming Rise In COVID-19 Cases

Effective last Friday, July 30th, employees and visitors to Broward County facilities, will be required to wear a facial covering when indoors, at all County facilities regardless of Vaccination Status. The new County Administrative Policy cites the surge of COVID-19 Cases and hospitalizations in Broward, to be fueled by the Delta Variant.

According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the CDC's newest data, the Delta Variant is more contagious and more dangerous than, the previous variants. Getting vaccinated will help stop the deadly spread. Infections are occurring in a small portion of people who are fully vaccinated, however, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people, who do become infected with the new variant, can spread the virus to others, who are not yet vaccinated and have no protection.

Vaccines are not mandatory, but strongly encouraged for people ages 12 and over. Vaccines are free and insurance is not required. The County has various Vaccination Sites and pop-up locations available in partnership with the FDOH. Appointments are not required at County/FDOH sites, but may be required at other facilities, that are not run by the County.

For the safety of the community, the CDC suggests the following updated guidelines:

• Wear a mask in public indoor settings
• Practice social distancing in public and socialize outdoors whenever possible
• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have been exposed to or experience COVID-19 symptoms, get tested, even if you are fully vaccinated

The FDOH opened an additional testing site on August 2 at the South Regional Health Center. The site will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Be on the lookout for additional testing sites, expected to be announced soon. You can find additional testing sites at: https://www.broward.org/CoronaVirus/Pages/Collection-Sites.aspx

City Of Sunny Isles Beach:

As a result of the surge in new cases locally, the City of Sunny Isles Beach will be requiring facial coverings for all employees and visitors at all indoor city facilities effective Friday, July 30, regardless of vaccination status. Everyone’s cooperation and consideration will help keep our community safe, as we experience an increase in cases in our region.

COVID-19 Testing & Vaccines Are Available At The SIB Government Center

Mobile COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination is now available at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center, 1st Floor Parking Garage, 18070 Collins Avenue, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Both PCR nasal swab tests and antigen rapid tests are offered for ages 5+. Pre-registration for testing, is available on-line at: https://mdc.nomihealth.com/easy_registration/12/onsite Walk-ups are also welcome. For additional COVID-19 Testing locations in Miami-Dade County, visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/testing-locations.page

Vaccination

The Pfizer Vaccine is available for ages 12+, The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine is available for ages 18+. Pre-registration for the vaccine, is available on-line at: www.vaccines.nomihealth.com/mdc/first-dose. Or you may call: (305) 614-2014. Walk-ups are also welcome. For additional COVID-19 Vaccination locations in Miami-Dade County, visit: www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/vaccine/vaccine-locator.page

For more information, visit: www.sibfl.net/coronavirus