As Mayor of the City of Hallandale, I am reaching out to give you an update on Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Since the first case of Coronavirus in Florida was reported, there have been an unprecedented number of actions taken by local, county and state governments, businesses and religious organizations in an attempt to contain and prevent the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization has formally declared the Coronavirus a global pandemic. As you may have read, Broward and Miami Dade Counties have most cases of Coronavirus in Florida.  Unfortunately, I am sad to report we now have two confirmed positive cases in Hallandale Beach.
 
These are truly unprecedented and extraordinary times for our community.  Public safety and the health and well-being of our residents and City employees is the top priority for me, the City Commission and our City Manager. As a resident, parent, and grandparent, I fully appreciate and understand your fears and concerns for your own safety and that of your family and loved ones. Rest assured that we are doing everything possible to protect our entire community.
 
I know it is important to ensure you have the latest information and wanted to share with you that the City of Hallandale Beach is following the latest Emergency Order (20-01) issued by Broward County.  The new order closes all non-essential retail and commercial business locations in Broward County.  

The County’s Emergency Order defines in detail which retail and commercial businesses are considered essential and directed to remain open. They include, but are not limited to, healthcare providers and equipment suppliers, doctor’s offices and urgent care centers, mental health professionals, home health care service providers, grocery stores and pharmacies, banks, gas stations, media and businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
 
Non-essential businesses are directed to close, except to the extent necessary to perform “Minimum Basic Operations.” Minimum Basic Operations are defined as minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of inventory, preserve plant and equipment condition, ensure security, process the business’s own payroll and employee benefits, and facilitate the business’s own employees working remotely.
 
Additionally, the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is assisting local restaurants through a new campaign called “Order In” highlighting the various order and delivery options available in our community. The CRA is also providing businesses with information they can use to tap into the financial assistance available from Federal and State resources.  They have established a webpage listing resources at www.CoHBCRA.org/Corona and are reaching out to local businesses directly.
 
Our staff is also implementing a new process for building inspections that will be “touch-less” and virtual to mitigate further spread and protect the health of our building inspectors.  This option will allow for the public to conduct certain building permitting and inspection processes online with virtual tools.
 
The City continues normal operations of Water Production, Sanitation/ Trash Removal, and Police services.  Fire Rescue services continue to be offered by BSO.
 
Our Human Services Department continues to provide telephone well-fare checks with our vulnerable population.

Our Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department is partnering with Feeding South Florida to start a weekly drive-thru food distribution at Peter Bluesten Park starting this Thursday March 26^th at 11am. Check our City Facebook page or cohb.org/corona for more details.  Our Parks and Beaches remain closed for our community’s safety.
 
The City is also creating a new campaign to share information with our seniors. Various website improvements, media outlets, calls, and other resources are being made for easy to access information for our seniors.
 
The City of Hallandale Beach is operating under Emergency Order 20-03 issued today, March 24^th. This Emergency Order includes a nightly curfew from 11pm to 5am until further notice.  Please stay home and off the road.  Only essential travel will be permitted during the late night/overnight hours. 
 
Please stay at home, stay at home, stay at home.
 
In an effort to limit congregation, which results in increased danger of infection, and in response to several complaints received by residents of large groups congregating in common pools and non-sanitary practices in gyms; this emergency order also requires all pools and gyms in common areas of hotels, homeowner associations or condominiums are required to be closed until further notice.
 
Our staff remains committed to supporting the Hallandale Beach community during this national emergency and fulfill city functions to the greatest extent possible.  Please remember we have resources and updates available 24/7 at www.cohb.org/corona and please follow the City on Social Media for regular updates.
 
We are in this together.  The US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams gave a somber message to our country saying "I want America to understand — this week, it's going to get bad, we really need to come together as a nation.”  Some people are not social distancing, and this is how the spread is occurring. 
 
We really need everyone to stay at home.  While we know there are a lot of people who are doing the right things, unfortunately we're finding out a lot of people think this can't happen to them.  Please, for the good of our community, county, state, nation, and world, Stay Home, Stop the Spread, and help us all Save Lives.

 
Be well, stay well, Hallandale Beach is here for you.

God Bless, Mayor Joy Cooper