City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19

City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19 Monday, March 9, 2020 The City of Miami Beach remains committed to ensuring the safety and public health of our residents, visitors and local businesses. As the information is changing rapidly pertaining to COVID-19, the administration is conducting daily interdepartmental calls to monitor the progression of novel coronavirus COVID-19 to ensure that we stay informed and prepared to respond if needed. We are also closely following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) as well as the School Board.  Additionally, as tourism is a major part of the Miami Beach community, we are working closely with our local agencies and this afternoon, a COVID-19 meeting was held in conjunction with the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association at the Miami Beach Convention Center, inviting our hotel and restaurant facility managers, representatives from the Miami International Airport and FDOH. The meeting consisted of CDC updates, facility protocols and best practices for ensuring optimal sanitary conditions as well as industry impacts.   Miami Beach continues to take elevated measures to ensure the health and safety of our visitors in our facilities, on the trolleys and in or around Miami Beach. Below is a summary of measures that are currently being implemented by the city.  Precautionary Measures by the City of Miami Beach We are continuing to ensure our spaces, including youth centers, beachfront restrooms and city facilities are being thoroughly cleaned. This includes the daily effort of wiping down every touch surface such as door handles, elevator push buttons, handrails and recreation equipment. Cleaning contractors are also providing additional training to staff to ensure proper cleaning techniques are utilized. We have asked our cultural facilities such as the Bass Museum, Colony Theatre, Fillmore, Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony and the Wolfsonian-FIU to follow suit in emphasizing cleanliness in their respective spaces. Recreational Facilities Our recreation staff is encouraging kids to wash their hands frequently. If a child presents him/herself sick, the child is removed from the group, placed in the admin office and parents are contacted immediately to pick up the child. Hand sanitizers also continue to be at every point of entry at our youth centers. Miami Beach Trolley The city’s Miami Beach Trolley operator, Limousines of South Florida (LSF), is taking additional measures to ensure our trolleys are thoroughly cleaned. In addition to their standard daily cleaning practices, LSF is increasing the frequency of cleaning, including “high touch” areas — buttons, handholds, pull cords and rails. LSF will also equip trolleys with hand sanitizing gel or wipes. Events The City of Miami Beach is closely monitoring this situation and following the recommendations of the CDC and the FDOH. At this time, we are moving forward with events as planned. While this may change at any time, we recommend you continue to check our website for information on this at www.MiamiBeachFl.gov/coronavirus. Beachfront Activation for Spring Break Hand washing and hand sanitation stations are currently deployed at the beachfront spring break activation between 7 and 10 streets. Visit www.MBSpringBreak.com for event information. Miami-Dade County Polling Locations  The Elections Department is providing hand sanitizer at all Early Voting and Election Day locations in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, there are bathrooms at every polling place for hand washing.  Seniors and Special Needs Community While the city remains open for business, we understand the importance of the elderly and vulnerable populations to take proper precautions at this time. The city is working with our elderly housing and congregant meal sites to help disseminate the most current and relevant health information to our seniors. According to the CDC, the following people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness: Older adults People who have serious chronic medical conditions like: Heart disease Diabetes Lung disease If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease such as: Stock up on supplies Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often. Avoid crowds as much as possible   The city is looking at all Parks and Recreation events that are scheduled for seniors. Following the CDC guidelines, some of these events may be cancelled. Please continue to check the parks and recreation web page or the special coronavirus web page for updates on any programming interruptions.     During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible.   Prevention Starts With You The CDC urges everyone to do their part to help during this emerging public health threat, this includes: Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth Avoid close contact with people who are sick Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe Take personal responsibility. If you are sick with a fever, cough or viral symptoms, please stay away from others, including the work environment and crowded area There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, you can learn more about prevention and treatment by visiting the CDC website. Stay Informed For updated information on the city’s efforts, please visit: www.MiamiBeachFl.gov/coronavirus. We will also be posting updated messages via email, Nextdoor, Facebook or Twitter.

The Florida Guitar Foundation presents its 4th Annual Classical Guitar Competition and Festival

CultureOwl.com 21355 E Dixie Hwy. Suite 106, Aventura, FL 33180

FTC y FDA: Advertencias enviadas a vendedores de tratamientos engañosos del coronavirus

9 de marzo de 2020

por 

Colleen Tressler

Esepcialista en educación del consumidor, FTC

El mes pasado, le advertimos que se mantuviera atento a los estafadores que aprovechan los temores que rodean al coronavirus. Hoy, tenemos una actualización.

La FTC y la FDA han emitido en conjunto cartas de advertencia a siete vendedores de productos no aprobados y mal etiquetados que declaran que pueden tratar o prevenir el coronavirus. Los productos de las compañías incluyen algunos tipos de té, aceites esenciales y plata coloidal. La FTC dice que las compañías no tienen evidencia para respaldar sus declaraciones, como lo exige la ley. La FDA dice que no hay vacunas, medicamentos o productos de investigación aprobados actualmente disponibles para tratar o prevenir el virus.

Las siete compañías son:

Vital Silver

Aromatherapy Ltd.

N-ergetics

GuruNanda, LLC

Vivify Holistic Clinic

Herbal Amy LLC

The Jim Baker Show

En parte, las cartas exigen a las compañías que, dentro de un plazo de 48 horas, notifiquen a la FTC las medidas específicas que han adoptado para abordar las inquietudes de la agencia. La FTC y la FDA harán los seguimientos respectivos a las compañías que no realicen las correcciones adecuadas. Ambas agencias también continuarán monitoreando las redes sociales, los mercados en línea y las quejas entrantes para ayudar a garantizar que las compañías no continúen comercializando productos fraudulentos con un nombre diferente o en otro sitio web.

Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) dicen que su mejor defensa contra el coronavirus es:

Lavarse las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use un desinfectante para manos con base de alcohol. Siempre lávese las manos con agua y jabón si las manos están visiblemente sucias.

Evite tocarse la cara, especialmente los ojos, la nariz y la boca, con las manos sin lavar.

Evite el contacto cercano con personas que están enfermas.

Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo.

Cubra su tos o estornude con un pañuelo desechable, luego tírelo a la basura.

Limpie y desinfecte los artículos y las superficies que se tocan con frecuencia con un spray o paño de limpieza doméstico. Siga las recomendaciones de CDC para usar una mascarilla.

Los CDC no recomiendan que las personas que están bien usen una mascarilla para protegerse de enfermedades respiratorias, incluidos el COVID-19.Las personas que muestran síntomas de COVID-10 deben usar mascarillas para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad a otras personas.

El uso de mascarillas también es crucial para los trabajadores de la salud y las personas que cuidan a alguien en entornos cercanos (en el hogar o en un centro de atencion médica).

Manténgase informado. Para obtener más información sobre el coronavirus, visite la página de preguntas frecuentes de los CDC. Visite la FDA para aprender sobre el desarrollo y la aprobación de tratamientos para el coronavirus.

Si tiene la tentación de comprar un producto no probado o uno con declaraciones cuestionables, consulte primero con su médico u otro profesional de la salud.

The Real Florida℠ Connection – Springs and Springtime

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR Almost twenty years ago, a long drought exposed a treasure trove deep in Newnan's Lake near Gainesville. At the bottom of the lake, a high school teacher and his students discovered the world’s largest cache of prehistoric dugout canoes. An investigation revealed more than 100 canoes built by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Archaeologists studied the canoes to learn about the people who built and paddled them. Now, you can see the results of that effort in a new exhibit at the Silver River Museum at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. Last month, I attended the ribbon-cutting for “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas,” created by the Florida Museum of Natural History. After traveling around the country, the English-Spanish bilingual exhibit found its long-term home at the Silver River Museum. We’re grateful to the Felburn Foundation for supporting a new museum wing to house the exhibit, and to Marion County Schools for being a terrific partner in making Silver Springs the best place in Florida to learn about springs. You can see “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas” at Florida Springsfest this Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8 at Silver Springs. Last year’s Springsfest was the most-attended ever and we have high hopes for this year. I recently attended a meeting of state park educators and interpreters — park staff and rangers whose job is telling the story of Florida’s natural resources. I was impressed by their commitment and enthusiasm, and many park educational events such as Springsfest are the result of their hard work alongside park friends groups, volunteers and partners. I’m proud that in Florida, dozens of freshwater springs are protected in state parks. New springs parks such as Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park make me optimistic for the future. In this issue of the Real Florida℠ Connection, we’re excited to share the newest protected spring at an addition to River Rise Preserve State Park. Your visit helps us protect Florida’s springs — find a state park near you.   See you in a park soon, Eric Draper

FEATURED STORIES Florida Springsfest this Weekend The Florida Springsfest at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala kicks off this weekend, March 7 and 8! Springsfest combines entertainment and educational activities for the whole family to increase understanding of Florida's unique freshwater springs. Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Here Many of the 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks provide nesting habitat for sea turtles. As nesting season begins, park staff and biologists are preparing to monitor nests and keep them safe. The majority of nesting takes place between March and October. State Park System Grows to Protect Important Habitat Florida State Parks are growing! Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the addition of 17 acres to River Rise Preserve State Park in Columbia County as well as a 47-acre parcel to Bulow Creek State Park near Ormond Beach, in Volusia County. Dig Deep into Archaeology in State Parks Do you ever think about what’s under your feet? Archaeologists do! Most of what we know about  Florida’s long inhabitation by Native Americans comes from their work uncovering hidden artifacts. Florida State Parks protect this evidence and tell the story the state’s past. FEATURED EVENTS Feeling Crabby? March 7, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area At Flagler Beach The tidal salt marsh of this park is home to the Atlantic blue crab, a popular seafood item and keystone species of the local ecosystem. Learn how to catch these tasty crustaceans in a hands-on program. Learn more Find Nature in Miami March 14, Oleta River State Park Join park rangers for a guided nature hike and learn about native and invasive species of plants and animals in South Florida, what we can do to help our local ecosystems and how those actions benefit everyone. Learn more Yoga in the Park March 21, Big Lagoon State Park Relax and unwind at Big Lagoon State Park. This serene coastal park is the perfect venue for yoga. Start your Saturday right with this free, one-hour event.      Learn more Ghost in the Seashell March 24, Koreshan Historic State Park Join a park naturalist to learn about seashells and the mysterious creatures that reside inside. Find out how shells are created and built. Hold and see the shells of specimens that lived in the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay. Learn more Find more Florida State Park events

Leon County COVID-19 Operational Update

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve and spread, Leon County Emergency Management is committed to actively monitoring the disease and coordinating preparedness efforts with local health officials, healthcare providers, first responders, and other critical emergency response functions. Now is the time for everyone in Leon County to stay informed and stay prepared for any occurrence of COVID-19 or other respiratory illness. While no cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Leon County, and while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ruled Florida an area of low risk, now is the best time for residents and businesses to prepare. Further operational updates will be provided as conditions change and experts advise. Leon County’s Emergency Management Role During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Florida Department of Health is the lead agency and County Emergency Management serves in support of the local health experts. Like with H1N1 swine flu (2009), Ebola (2014), and the Zika virus (2016), County Emergency Management serves as the coordinating and command liaison between our local Florida Department of Health and the many local and state agencies who help prepare and respond, such as law enforcement, schools, universities, tourism, and more. Like with previous communicable diseases, the Florida Department of Health is the lead agency at both the state and local levels, and health officials will be providing guidance and public information messaging at every stage. Beginning on Jan. 21, County Emergency Management staff began close coordination with the Florida Department of Health and other healthcare experts. Building on that coordinating role, Emergency Management now: Convenes regular coordinating calls with K-12 school, university, healthcare, and emergency response representatives to ensure continuity of operations and information exchange; Stands ready to activate the Emergency Operations Center to assist health experts in coordinating any public health emergency response, similar to the efforts before and after a natural disaster; Provides expert operational guidance across 18 different emergency support functions in support of the Florida Department of Health in Leon County’s operations and response; Receives regular statewide and local briefings on the developing situation; Coordinates joint information and messaging to ensure accurate, vetted, and unified messaging on COVID-19 and disease transmission. Stay Informed In coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Leon County, the County recommends the following sources to assist with community mitigation and preparedness. While health experts are working around the clock to learn more about COVID-19, you can also stay informed as new information becomes available. Florida Department of Health: COVID-19 – This online State resource has critical information for travelers, residents, businesses, guidance for school administrators, and important personal preventative measures such as handwashing and hand sanitizer use. The website also reports the number of positive and presumed positive COVID-19 cases, as well as progress updates on COVID-19 testing. You can also reach the FDOH Call Center at (866) 779-6121 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 – CDC experts provide guidance for healthcare providers, emergency responders, and individuals. On the CDC’s website, you can find information on how COVID-19 spreads, the associated symptoms, suggested preventative measures, and more information on COVID-19 testing. World Health Organization: COVID-19 – WHO experts produce quick, informative videos and infographics on COVID-19, specifically how to prevent transmission. Topics include when people should wear masks (only when someone is sick, and even then you should still stay home and isolate), frequently asked questions, and situation reports from around the globe. Notably, on Feb. 28, the World Health Organization issued a “very high” global risk assessment for this novel coronavirus. Leon County Schools: COVID-19 – Local resource from Leon County Schools that references important information and provides parents and students with important updates. Download the Leon County Citizens Connect Mobile Application – Relaunched in 2017, the Leon County Citizens Connect app puts timely emergency notifications at your fingertips through push notifications on your smartphone or other device. Be the first to know of any emergency management messaging or service changes by downloading the app on the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Take Action to Stay Prepared Now is the time to be ready and reflect on your personal preparedness and plans. At this time, experts do not recommend social distancing or isolating yourself unless you are sick or suspect transmission. To remain well, practice good hygiene measures like washing your hands and using hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60 percent or greater. Also, it is not too late in the season to receive a flu vaccine, as recommended by the CDC. Getting sick back-to-back (from flu and another respiratory illness such as COVID-19) can be severely challenging. Mitigate your risk now. According to the CDC, the most effective ways to prevent transmission of not only COVID-19 but any respiratory illness is to avoid being exposed by washing your hands and cleaning regularly used surfaces (more info can be found here). For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers. For local businesses, the CDC also recommends the following guidance to prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses in non-healthcare settings. These guidelines discuss sick leave, doctor’s notes, telecommuting and other considerations. Also, if you are a business owner, please consider posting proper handwashing posters and signs in your bathroom locations to encourage good hygiene. Continue to follow www.LeonCountyFL.gov/eip for any local updates or changes to services.