jueves, 10 de septiembre de 2020

City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19

 

Thursday, September 10, 2020
Yesterday, the City Manager extended the city’s State of Emergency Declaration and Emergency Measures through September 16, 2020.

Any violation of the emergency measures shall subject the individual, operator, business entity, or organization to arrest and criminal prosecution pursuant to Section 26-36 and Section 1-14 of the City Code. Furthermore, any violation of the provisions of this Order may subject an operator, business entity, or organization to the closure of the establishment for a period of at least 24 hours, or through the duration of the State of Emergency.

Read the latest city information below, which includes COVID-19 updates in the beginning, followed by general city news.

COVID-19 Updates
Drive-Thru Food Distribution
Feeding South Florida and Commissioner David Richardson will host a drive-thru food distribution on Saturday, September 12.

Saturday, September 12
9 AM - 11 AM
2100 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

The food distribution is on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Please remain in your car and open the trunk when it's your turn in line.

If you do not have a car and would like to qualify for food assistance, please call or register online. Phone: 305.604.CITY (2489) or www.miamibeachfl.gov/food
Visit the Garden
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is open for scheduled visits and guided tours!

There are 2-hour time slots available from Thursday to Sunday.
  • Session 1 | 11 AM - 1 PM
  • Session 2 | 1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Upon entry, you will receive a sticker valid for a 2 hour session. You must exit promptly at the end of your time slot to allow the next group to enter. All social distancing and mask protocols will be enforced for the safety of others. For more information call 305.673.7256 and reserve/buy your tickets at mbgarden.org.
Back to The Bass
We're going back to The Bass as they reopen their doors next Wednesday, September 16. They are only the second Miami-Dade art museum to reopen amid COVID-19 — and we are excited to welcome them back!

The Bass is FREE for Miami Beach residents. Click here to learn more about the Bass reopening safety measures in place and plan your next visit.

Also view city's museum reopening safety guidelines here.
Mental Health Services
The City of Miami Beach, through our Education Compact with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, continues to provide mental health support services for all Miami Beach public school children through the Children's Trust and Borinquen Medical Center.

Services
A mental health professional is now available to provide individual telephonic support for any child or family in need with services included but not limited to:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress Management
  • Family Issues

If you're in need of this service, contact your child's school counselor or principal to ask for your site administrator.
Miami Foundation COVID-19 Relief Nonprofit Grants
The Miami Foundation, in partnership with Miami-Dade County’s Department of Public Housing and Community Development, will offer $10 million in grants to local, small nonprofits. The Miami-Dade County Nonprofit Support Grants program, made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will provide financial relief to charitable organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Approved by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on July 21, grant funds will be available to Miami-Dade nonprofits with fewer than 25 employees and must cover employee payroll, business interruption costs, reopening and other expenses related to pandemic response. Eligible nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $47,500 for reimbursements and/or future expenses.
 
The application is available beginning today and is open through September 30.
View the program guidelines, application and FAQs, plus sign up for informational webinars and one-on-one help sessions, here.
Mask Up Miami Beach
We urge everyone to wear a mask, continue practicing social distancing and meticulously wash hands regularly.

Reminder, Miami Beach Police and Code Compliance Officers are giving out $50 civil citations for anyone not wearing a facial covering while in a public place or space.

Free masks are being provided at all Miami-Dade Public Libraries.
General City Updates
Board of Adjustment Meeting
A Board of Adjustment meeting is being held Friday, September 11 at 9 a.m. virtually via Zoom here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82730935917The meeting will be streamed live on MBTV Channel 660 on Atlantic Broadband or 99 on AT&T U-Verse.

How to provide spoken public comment during the meeting:
The public may provide spoken comment by dialing telephone  301.715.8592 or 888.475.4499 (toll free). The Webinar ID is 827 3093 5917. Press *9 to raise a hand to be placed in queue to speak.
Get Ready! Hazardous Waste Drop-Off is Back
Need to safely dispose of your household hazardous chemicals and waste? Piles of paper and old mail stacking up? Help protect the environment and keep your home safe.

Bring your used oil, fertilizers, old paint, insecticides, batteries, electronics, piles of paper and more!

Sunday, September 13
8AM - 3PM
40 Street and Chase Avenue (Behind the bank)

For a full list of accepted items, please visit: www.mbrisingabove.com/recycle
Town Hall with Commissioner Meiner
Join Commissioner Steven Meiner on Tuesday, September 15 at 5:30 p.m. for a virtual Town Hall meeting. Discussions will include reimagining Ocean Drive, a Deauville update, a preview of the Wednesday, September 16 Commission Meeting and a Q&A with the Commissioner.

Tuesday, September 15
5:30 PM

Join via webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89465265349 or call-in at 929.2056099 or 877.853.5257 (toll free), Webinar ID: 894 6526 5349.
Miami Beach Hall of Fame - EXTENDED
To recognize remarkable individuals that have made a lasting and significant impact on Miami Beach, the city is asking the public to nominate deserving individuals for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. The nomination period has been extended and nominations will be accepted now through November 30, 2020.

Selected Miami Beach Hall of Fame recipients are celebrated in the permanent honor hall, located on the south concourse wall of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Inductees will be honored with a plaque listing their accomplishments and a special ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

Eligible individuals must have been either born in Miami Beach, made Miami Beach his/her place of residence or business and/or had a positive and lasting impact on the community. Please click here to access the online application systemCompleted applications must be submitted in the online portal by November 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
Back-to-School with Parks & Rec

Virtual After School Program
The Parks & Recreation Department is offering homework assistance for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Additional activities will include fitness classes, yoga, cooking, science and more.

  • Monday through Friday (September 8 - October 2)
  • 2:30 PM - 5 PM (K-1st Grade)
  • 3:30 PM - 6 PM (2nd - 5th Grade)
  • Weekly Fee: $75

Virtual Teen Club
The virtual Teen Club program includes tutoring/homework assistance, STEM, dance, social emotional learning, entrepreneurship, sports fitness, hobby projects and more. Virtual tutoring occurs through the Zoom platform and space is limited.

  • Monday through Friday (September 8 - October 2)
  • 4 PM - 5:30 PM (6th - 12th Grade)
  • FREE for all teens enrolled in a Miami Beach school

Programs may be canceled due to low enrollment. Registration has begun, register today by visiting register.miamibeachparks.com
Countdown to Fill Out the Census
The U.S. Census Bureau will be sending an additional paper questionnaire to over 16.2 million households in low-responding census tracts. All mail packages are expected to arrive by September 15. This mailing is the last in a series of reminders the Census Bureau has mailed to non-responding households since mid-March urging them to respond.
 
Census takers are still visiting households that have not responded to the census to collect responses in person. Census takers may also visit households that have already responded as part of 2020 Census quality checks. Now, more than ever, it's important to get counted!

Are you a renter? View our 2020 Census Renters guide here.

The Census Bureau will END all counting on September 30.
Call up your friends and neighbors and ask them to visit my2020census.gov and make sure our community gets counted!
First Responders
COVID-19 & Antibody Testing

Miami Beach Convention Center Testing Site
The MBCC testing site is now offering drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 antigen tests (“rapid tests”). This test is a nasal swab test with results reported to the patient within 4 hours or less. It will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily or until the site reaches the maximum 350 daily allotted tests. More detailed information on the purpose and efficacy of the antigen test can be found on the CDC website.

Both the COVID-19 active virus and antibody tests continue to be available at the Miami Beach Convention Center testing facility located on 17 Street and Convention Center Drive. The COVID-19 drive-thru and walk-up testing site is available daily, including weekends, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is available for ages 5 and up.

Visit our 'Testing' tab to view detailed information on all testing locations, including testing at the Hard Rock Stadium and homebound testing and further details.
Plasma Donation
As the number of COVID-19 infections rise in Florida, hospitals are facing critical shortages of convalescent plasma for treatment.

The University of Miami Health System is working with OneBlood to collect convalescent plasma to use for a potential treatment option for patients with COVID-19.

Who can participate in this study?
A donor must be over 18 years old, have confirmed COVID-19 documents by a laboratory test, or history suggestive of resolved COVID-19 like illness. Participants must also have complete resolution of symptoms at least 28 days before donation and not participated in any COVID vaccine trials for at least the past 12 months.

For more information on the donation process, contact Tom Tanner at 305.243.5621 or via email at ttanner@med.miami.edu

Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover. Click here to learn more on how you can donate today.
Stay Informed
Visit our dedicated, city-related coronavirus webpage at www.miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, including important resources, impacts to city services and more.

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.govOr connect with us through social media via emailNextdoorFacebookTwitter and via text message (text MBAlert to 888777).
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City of Miami Beach | 1700 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 33139
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miércoles, 9 de septiembre de 2020

Operators of Student Debt Relief Scheme Agree to Pay at Least $835,000 to Settle FTC Allegations

The operators of a student loan debt relief scheme will pay at least $835,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that they charged illegal upfront fees and made false promises to consumers struggling with student loan debt.
The settlement resolves FTC litigation against Carey G. Howe, Anna C. Howe, Shunmin Hsu, Ruddy Palacios, and Oliver Pomazi, five individuals who were named as defendants in the agency’s complaint against Arete Financial Group and several related companies.
In the complaint filed in 2019, the FTC alleged that Arete and the other defendants pretended to be affiliated with the Department of Education and deceptively promised loan forgiveness, consolidation, and repayment programs to reduce or eliminate monthly payments and principal balances.
Litigation continues against other defendants in the case, Jay Singh and the two corporate defendants he controls, as well as against seven defaulted corporate defendants.
The order bans the settling defendants from providing student loan debt relief services, prohibits them from violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and includes a monetary judgment of $43.3 million, which is partially suspended due to an inability to pay. The defendants will be required to surrender at least $835,000 and additional assets, which will be used for consumer redress. The order also requires the defendants’ full cooperation in this ongoing case and any related investigation.
The Commission vote approving the stipulated final order was 3-0-2, with Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Christine S. Wilson recorded as not participating. The FTC filed the proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
NOTE: Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT FOR CONSUMERS: 
Consumer Response Center
877-382-4357
MEDIA CONTACT: 
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2565
STAFF CONTACTS: 
Stephen Fairchild
Northwest Regional Office
206-220-4476
Richard McKewen
Northwest Regional Office
206-220-4595

Leon County COVID-19 Community Update for September 8

Leon County COVID-19 Community Update
September 8, 2020
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, Leon County Emergency Management is committed to actively monitoring the disease and coordinating preparedness and response efforts with local health officials, healthcare providers, first responders and other critical emergency response functions.
The following update provides a timely, accurate and vetted source of official County and community information.
Significant Changes Since Last Update

Leon County launches Leon CARES program to provide local assistance to individuals, businesses and human service agencies impacted by COVID-19. For eligibility requirements and to submit an application to receive assistance, visit www.LeonCountyCARES.com
Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) distributes cloth face coverings to businesses. Beginning Tuesday, July 7, face coverings are available at the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality. A business with one location is eligible for up to 100 face coverings. Local businesses with multiple locations are eligible for up to 200 face coverings. For FAQs regarding the distribution of masks to businesses, click here.

Office of Economic Vitality (315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

County offering free face coverings for pickup at all Libraries. Leon County continues to make free face coverings available for pickup at all County library locations during regular hours. Through the library program and with OEV, the County has distributed nearly 300,000 masks to citizens. Five face masks per individual will be allowed to ensure adequate supply to meet demand. For locations and hours click here. 

It’s Not Too Much to Mask Campaign. Leon County launched the social media campaign, It’s Not Too Much to Mask to encourage the use of masks and facial coverings in public. If you’d like to participate, post a masked-up selfie and share why you wear a mask and for whom using #MaskOnLeon.
Miss FAMU
"I choose to wear a mask because it's more than just about me." - Ericka Johnson, Miss FAMU, Florida A&M University

Leon County's COVID-19 Health Metrics
Health Metrics
Weekly Documented New Cases1,348 INCREASING (from 408)
Weekly Percent of Positive Cases15.7% INCREASING (from 5.7%) 
Weekly Emergency Room Visits with Influenza-like Illness11 DECREASING (from 15 visits)
Weekly Emergency Room Visits with COVID-like Illness29 INCREASING (from 26 visits)

COVID-19 by the Numbers. Global cases of COVID-19 now surpass 27 million. According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) there are or have been 7,943 positive cases of COVID-19 in Leon County. In Florida, there are or have been 650,092 positive cases of COVID-19, and 11,915 COVID-19-related deaths. These numbers are updated regularly by FDOH; visit the dashboard for more detailed information, here. Local testing date includes public and private tests performed in Leon County, including Antigen tests performed by Patients First.