COVID-19 cases reported in North Broward, cities follow county with “stay at home” orders

North Broward – At least five North Broward municipalities have confirmed cases of Coronavirus as of today, March 29, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Pompano Beach has the most, 23. The others are Wilton Manors, 20; Oakland Park, 16; Deerfield Beach, 9; and Lighthouse Point, 1. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and Hillsboro Beach have no confirmed cases.

In Broward, there are a total of 819 confirmed cases and 4,246 cases in the entire state. Miami-Dade leads all counties with 1,169. Palm Beach has 320.

On March 26, Broward County issued a shelter in place directive, “strongly urging” residents to stay at home unless going out for food, medical needs or an emergency. Employees considered “essential” could still go to work.

Since then, numerous municipalities have issued similar orders in support of the county’s move, including Hillsboro Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and Lighthouse Point.

As confirmed COVID-19 cases increase, the Broward County City Managers’ Association [BCCMA] has coordinated an effort with cities to issue the additional stay at home orders.

“Immediate action is required to protect as many residents as possible from becoming infected with the Coronavirus [COVID-19]. The difference between flattening the curve and hospital overload depends on sheltering in place now, which is the intention of this unprecedented effort by the BCCMA,” said Greg Harrison, president of BCCMA and city manager of Pompano Beach.

“As municipal governments, we must take appropriate and necessary actions to protect our residents from the spread of COVID-19,” Broward League of Cities President Daniel J. Stermer said.

These efforts are also aimed at standardizing “safer at home” rules in the county’s 31 municipalities. Residents and business owners are encouraged to visit their city’s website to view the safer-at-home order issued for their community.

The orders reduce the number of people allowed to gather in a public place, from 10 to 5. They also reiterate social distancing guidelines [at least six feet between individuals] and direct essential businesses still open to make every effort to ensure workplaces are cleaned properly.

Although residents are asked to stay home, they are advised that they can still utilize the outdoor portions of their property and patronize local restaurants by using drive-thru or take out services.

The orders also advise that coughs and sneezes should be covered with an elbow or tissue. Handshakes should also be avoided, and individuals exhibiting any flu or COVID-19-like symptoms and/or have a fever over 99.99 degrees should avoid travel unless to and from the hospital, doctor’s office, urgent care, walk-in clinic or pharmacy.