City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19, 4/4

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Resident safety is at the forefront of this pandemic. To that end, the City of Miami Beach has added a requirement in yesterday's Emergency Order, effective April 7, 2020, for all employees and customers of grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurant facilities to wear a form of covering over their nose and mouth at all times when inside these establishments. The same requirement applies to individuals providing delivery services.   Acceptable coverings may include a face mask, homemade mask or other cloth covering, such as a scarf, bandana or handkerchief, and should complement — not substitute for — social distancing practices.

As to all other essential retail and commercial establishments permitted to remain open, employees and customers are strongly encouraged to wear a form of covering over their nose and mouth. All establishments are strongly encouraged to implement policies for employees to use other personal protective equipment, such as gloves, subject to the availability of such items.  The “Safer at Home” Emergency Order is also in effect through April 9, 2020.  Coronavirus (COVID-19) Data The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has created a portal to report their information pertaining to COVID-19 cases in Florida. Click here to view the FDOH's page with more information of their case breakdowns. Please note that per the FDOH website, data in this report is provisional and subject to change.

Arts & Culture Small Business Webinar Join City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and Senator Marco Rubio on Monday, April 6 at 3 p.m. for a webinar that will explain how to access the new Federal Stimulus Funds that are available through the Small Business Association Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for artists, non profits and arts organizations on Facebook.

Miami Beach Resource Center Many businesses and their employees have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. In order to help navigate through the wealth of resources available, the City of Miami Beach has launched a Resource Center to provide guidance through this challenging time.   To request assistance, please email ResourceCenter@miamibeachfl.gov with your contact information and needs. All inquiries will be responded to via phone or email by a Resource Agent. Impacted City Services All departments in City Hall are open virtually and telephonically. Effective, Monday, April 6, all city departments that had been public-facing, including the Finance Department, City Clerk Office and Public Works Department, will be closed until further notice. Visit the “Other Impacted City Services ” tab on the city’s COVID-19 webpage at  www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus  for information on how to reach each department. Finance Department The Cashier's Office within the Finance Department is closed to the public until further notice. We encourage you to make any payments online here or here . If absolutely necessary, payments can be made by appointment by calling 305.673.7466, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Public Works Department The City of Miami Beach Right-of-Way (ROW) permit counter will be closed starting Monday, April 6, 2020. ROW permits will continue to be issued utilizing the citizen self service (CSS) portal ( www.MBSelfService.com ). Customers can use the CSS portal to submit their applications, receive comments and pay permit fees online. In order to facilitate the online process, process workflows and checklists for each permit can be found here . The City of Miami Beach ROW Section strives to maintain the highest levels of customer service. To that end, the Right of Way general inbox ( rightofway@miamibeachfl.gov ) will serve as a centralized location for questions and concerns. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Otniel Rodriguez at 305.673.7080 or via email:  otnielrodriguez@miamibeachfl.gov. Impacted Meetings/Events For a full list of impacted meetings and events, please visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus. Lincoln Road Closure Lincoln Road is closed to pedestrians from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Miami-Dade County Public Schools The District will be transitioning from centralized device distribution to direct device distribution from school sites beginning Monday, April 6, 2020. School site administrators are identifying students in need and scheduling appointments with parents. Parents may also request a device by either emailing their school principal directly or by calling 305.995.3000. Click here for more information. Free meals for kids are also available through FLIPANY, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Feeding Florida.

Protecting Yourself Do you know how to screen yourself for someone at your home who has tested positive for COVID-19? Prevent the spread of germs as much as you can and learn how you can protect yourself with information below from the Florida Department of Health.

Mobile Testing Center MedRite has launched a mobile testing center in Miami Beach. Pre-registration is required, please visit www.medriteurgentcare.com/covid/ to make your appointment.

Customer Service Our city hotline at 305.604.CITY (2489) is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can also email your questions to MBCovid@miamibeachfl.gov.

Virtual Cultural Offerings Feeling the cabin fever? Our cultural partners are busy coming up with creative ways to share their art and culture with you! Click here to view all there is to experience virtually in Miami Beach and click here for this week's virtual guide.

To help keep you informed on the latest details of this ever evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the city has created a dedicated, city-related coronavirus webpage. We encourage you to continuously visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, including a list of frequently asked questions, important resources, impacts to city services and more.

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).  Below is an ongoing summary of updates from the City of Miami Beach. COVID-19 Quarantine Response Team In response to the Florida Governor’s Executive Orders (20-82 and 20-86) all persons entering the State of Florida from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana must isolate or quarantine for fourteen (14) days from the time of entry into the State of Florida. Should you have intimate knowledge of a person(s) who may be in violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders, you should notify the Miami Beach Police Department at 305.673.7901. The newly created team of Officers will respond at an appropriate time to remind, investigate, and enforce the Governor’s executive orders. Miami Beach Restaurants - Takeout and Delivery The City of Miami Beach revised its Emergency Order — maintaining the general curfew throughout the city beginning at midnight each night, but now permitting restaurants to continue to operate their kitchens after midnight, for delivery services only. *Support local businesses by clicking here to view a list of Miami Beach Restaurants open for delivery and takeout* Meals for Seniors If you are a senior citizen 65 years or older and are having problems getting meals, please call Miami-Dade County’s 311 Call Center between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and you will be immediately patched in with their Emergency Operations Center to get you the meals or other services that you may need. If you are not a senior, we still encourage you to share this message with any senior you may know.  Miami-Dade County Public School Food Distribution Starting today, Miami-Dade Public Schools will be offering grab-and-go meals to those in need from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Miami Beach Senior High. Click here for more information and other school locations. Bicycle Repair Stations Did you know that the City of Miami Beach has free bicycle repair stations located throughout the city? These bicycle repair stations are context-sensitive stands that include all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs, and are designed to handle all types of bicycles. View a list of all bicycle repair locations throughout Miami Beach here. Sanitary Measures We are continuing to ensure our city facilities are being thoroughly cleaned. This includes the daily effort of wiping down every touch surface such as door handles, elevator push buttons and handrails. Cleaning contractors are also providing additional training to staff to ensure proper cleaning techniques are utilized. Impacted City Services For a full list of impacted city services, including the Building Department, Code Compliance, Customer Service, Parking and more, select the Impacted City Services tab on our COVID-19 webpage. Business Assistance & Resources View some helpful tools and resources for businesses expected to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including information on Governor DeSantis' Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program and more on our dedicated business portal. 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 areas 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   During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. 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.

‌

Has your small business been impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.

SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic Launches The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion emergency loan program created last week with the President’s signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The program provides forgivable loans up to $10 million to small businesses left financially distressed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The loans, which will be administered at the local level by a national network of banks and credit unions, are designed to maintain the viability of millions of small businesses struggling to meet payroll and day-to-day operating expenses. “These loans will bring immediate economic relief and eight weeks of financial certainty to millions of small businesses and their employees,” SBA Administrator Carranza said. “We urge every struggling small business to take advantage of this unprecedented federal resource – their viability is critically important to their employees, their community, and the country.” Read the full press release  Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times.  Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing. Learn more Job Announcements  The SBA is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts during these unprecedented times. The positions include: Call Center Customer Service Representative Document Preparation/Legal Review/Loan Closings Loan Processing/Credit Analysis/Mortgage Underwriting Program Support Apply today Federal Coronavirus Resources State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates from the White House's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force. Go to cdc.gov for detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   Learn more about the federal government's response Virtual Mentoring and Training  Offices around the country may be closed to the Coronavirus pandemic, but SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers and other resource partners are providing free business mentoring and training by phone, email, and video. Find an SBA resource partner near you SBA District and Regional Office Webinars on Disaster Assistance   SBA district and regional offices are offering webinars about Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These webinars explain SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and how you can apply for disaster assistance.  Sign up for SBA newsletters using your zip code to get updates

U.S. Small Business Administration 409 3rd St, SW. Washington DC 20416www.sba.gov

¿Eres mayor de 60 años en esta época de COVID-19? Sigue leyendo.

0 de marzo de 2020

por 

Jennifer Leach

Directora Asociada, División de Educación del Consumidor y los Negocios, FTC

Lo sé, a los 60 años no eres ni te sientes viejo. De hecho, descubrimos que cuando las personas piensan en alguien “viejo”, piensan en alguien 10 años mayor que ellas. Pero, como nos advirtieron sobre los efectos del coronavirus en la gente mayor de 60 años, presta atención. Porque los estafadores siguen los titulares de las noticias y saben que posiblemente lo tengas en cuenta. 

En estos momentos los estafadores están saliendo rápidamente de sus cuevas para ofrecer falsas esperanzas (¡Kits de pruebas en el hogar! ¡Una cura!) y tratan de asustar a la gente (¡Están a punto de revocarte tu número de Seguro Social! ¡Uno de tus seres queridos está en problemas!) – y todo eso para conseguir tu dinero o tu información. (A propósito, ninguna de estas cosas es cierta.) También están pidiendo el número de enrutamiento de cuentas bancarias para “ayudarte” a conseguir asistencia monetaria – que, de paso, no es el medio para recibirla.

Están enviando emails falsos que parecen auténticos, pero con esos emails falsos de los CDC o de la Organización Mundial de la Salud están tratando de robarte tu información personal – o, si haces clic en un enlace, intentarán instalarte un programa malicioso en tu computadora, tablet o teléfono. Los estafadores están llamando (y llaman… y llaman…), usando llamadas automáticas pre-grabadas para promocionar la variante de estafa más reciente. Están enviando mensajes de texto, y están por todas partes en los medios sociales.

Así que cuando te estés lavando las manos y haciendo todo lo necesario para mantenerte seguro, te contamos algunas maneras de protegerte – y proteger a tus seres queridos – contra los estafadores

No te dejes apurar. Digan lo que digan en la llamada, email, mensaje de texto o posteo en un medio social, recuerda que los estafadores tratarán de apurarte. La gente honesta no lo hace.
Verifícalo. Pisa el freno antes de compartir o hacer algo. Investiga un poco. ¿La historia está respaldada por los hechos?
Pásalo. Si te ofrecieron algo genial o estás preocupado por algo alarmante: habla con alguien de tu confianza antes de actuar. ¿Qué piensa?
Mantente en contacto con la FTC. Para ayudarte a detectar las estafas, suscríbete para recibir alertas para consumidores en ftc.gov/conectate. Y entérate de las últimas noticias en ftc.gov/coronavirus/es.