Statistically, the trajectory of the virus is heading in a better direction nationally, statewide, in Palm Beach County, and in Town.
In PBC, the Daily Lab Positivity Rate is back down below 10%, (8.37% as of yesterday) which means we are trending away from community spread. The County’s numbers are currently lower than the state average. Our Census Tract Date for Palm Beach Shores also is good news: We have returned to the category of “Not Enough Data” to tabulate. This translates to being in a range of zero to five new cases in Town for the previous 10-day reporting period. These downward trends have been attributed largely to people’s observance of the “Three W’s” – Washing hands, Wearing masks, and Watching your distance. It is important to continue adherence to these vital practices as there are several variant strains of the virus. The variant strains of the virus are reportedly less lethal, but more easily spread from person-to-person.
Access to vaccinations remains elusive. Palm Beach Shores continues to push the State and Governor’s Office for answers to whether we will receive the requested doses for our vaccination POD. We have received little to no response to-date. Per the Governor’s directive, Publix is the primary means by which the target populations can receive the vaccine in Palm Beach County. The PBC Healthcare District and State Health Department are attempting to work through their previous appointment system as vaccines become available. The Publix appointment system remains slow and frustrating for many people. Please be aware that some folks who have achieved appointments through the online system are scheduled at Publix locations several miles or even hours away from their local stores. It has also been reported that the system will recognize duplicate information in its queue (For example, if you are attempting to access the system by smartphone, tablet, and laptop simultaneously) and will kick you off of the first of these platforms that tried to make access. The State will also continue to establish impromptu vaccination PODs in areas the Governor designates as underserved. These pop-up-PODs occur outside of the knowledge of the control of the County or municipalities.
Also, there are discussions about setting up mass vaccination locations at the County Fairground and perhaps a site in North County. But as of yet, there are no concrete plans.
We will continue to provide regular updates and our efforts to obtain vaccination doses. Please feel free to contact Chief Steedman with questions. (561) 296-3380 or tsteedman@pbsfire.org.
