Broward County Declares Emergency After 4th Case of Coronavirus

BROWARD COUNTY  – This morning, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) announced a new positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Broward County.

This is the fourth local case of coronavirus in Broward County, and through their epidemiological investigation, FDOH has now tied three of the four local cases to Port Everglades through a cruise services company that operates there.

Broward County is in ongoing communication with the State Department of Health and the Governor’s Office. They are also working with the Centers for Disease Control and the White House about activities in Broward.

The County is continuing to take precautionary measures that will protect its employees and residents who rely on local government for important services.

New precautions include:

• County Administrator Bertha Henry declared a local State of Emergency at 12:25 PM today.

• At noon today, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) moved to a Level 2 activation. Allowing the County to initiate emergency response activities that help support our partners, particularly the FDOH and Port Everglades. Please note that while a State of Emergency is declared, the County is maintaining its normal business operations.

• Staff needed to help support the emergency response will be asked to work in their normal office locations, on their normal schedules, unless they are specifically needed at the EOC.

• Broward County has formed a business team to address issues related to operations. It comprises the of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Plus, other high impact business areas.

• Broward County is working with the Supervisor of Elections office and the Florida Department of Emergency Management to ensure proper hand sanitizing measures are in place. Especially so that residents feel comfortable going to polls to vote in the March 17 and future elections. Cleaning will continue while the polls are open.

• Broward County Parks are waiving cancellation fees for patrons who choose to cancel bookings.

As an early response to the COVID-19, Broward County stepped up its cleaning procedures in all County facilities. Business-related travel for County employees to destinations identified by the CDC as Level 2 or 3 areas was suspended.

At today’s County Commission meeting, commissioners agreed to mount a public education and awareness campaign. This will help educate our community on important precautionary measures and healthy habits.