Last updated: April 2, 2020 at 4:18 p.m. —
Martin County continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Protecting the health and safety of our employees, residents and visitors remains our primary concern and we continue to make decisions based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Florida Department of Health recommendations, as well as direction from the state and federal level.
Below you can view daily reports, which provide highlights of the day’s local, state and case-related information related to COVID-19. This graphic will be updated and posted at the end of each day below, as well as on the county’s social media outlets. Please check back for updates each evening.
For all health-related questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 call center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
24/7 State Hotline: (866) 779-6121
Email: covid-19@flhealth.gov
DOH Martin County: (772) 221-4000
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m – 5 p.m.
Martin County’s Community Information Center is staffed to answer questions regarding county business, closures, services and general information from our elected and constitutional officers and community partners.
Community Info Center: (772) 287-1652
Daily from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Find county-specific information on Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is performing drive-thru testing for COVID-19 by appointment only, at Martin North Hospital, 200 SE Hospital Avenue in Stuart, and Tradition Hospital, 10000 SW Innovation Way in Port St. Lucie. Testing will only be performed for individuals who meet FDOH criteria for COVID-19. If individuals do not meet criteria, testing will not be performed. The CDC provides the testing guidelines.
For an appointment, individuals who may have symptoms must call (772) 419-3360, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Testing hours for both locations is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily. For additional information, visit martinhealth.org.
FCHC is performing drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at their Indiantown Center location, located at 15858 SW Warfield Boulevard, by appointment only. Individuals must call to setup an appointment for screening, evaluation, and testing at (772) 597-3596. Telehealth appointments are also available. For additional information, visit fchcinc.org.
|
COUNTY UPDATES |
|---|
PRESS CONFERENCES & MEETINGS:
VIDEO: 3/30 – Emergency BOCC Meeting
VIDEO: 3/19 – Press Conference
VIDEO: 3/18 – Emergency BOCC Meeting
LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY:
On March 16, Martin County declared a Local State of Emergency, including recommendations by the CDC for:
On March 23 and again on March 30, Martin County extended the Local State of Emergency.
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS:
GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS:
EO 20-92: Amends Executive Order 20-91 re: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency
EO 20-91: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency
EO 20-90: Broward and Palm Beach County Closures
EO 20-89: Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Monroe County Public Access Restrictions
EO 20-88: Re-employment of Essential Personnel
EO 20-87: Vacation Rental Closures
EO 20-86: Additional Requirements of Certain Individuals Traveling to Florida
EO 20-85: Telehealth and Immunizations for State Group Insurance
EO 20-83: Protective Measures for Vulnerable Populations, Gatherings of Private Citizens and Density of the Workforce
EO 20-82: Isolation of Individuals Traveling to Florida
EO 20-80: Airport Screening and Isolation
EO 20-72: Non-essential Elective Medical Procedures
EO 20-71: Alcohol Sales, Restaurants, and Gyms
EO 20-69: Local Government Public Meetings
EO 20-68: Regarding Bars, Beaches, and Restaurants
EO 20-52: Public Health Emergency
EO 20-51: Establishes Coronavirus Response Protocol and Directs Public Health Emergency
As of Friday, March 20, all Martin County Government facilities are closed to the public for the health and safety of county residents and county employees during the COVID-19 crisis.
Although county offices are closed to the general public, the county will continue to provide services with altered modes and methods in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to use online, email and over-the-phone resources to conduct county business.
ADMINISTRATION:
The Administration Building is closed to walk-in traffic.
For assistance, call (772) 288-5400
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT:
The Building Department is closed to walk-in traffic.
For assistance, call (772) 288-5916
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All permits are being extended for an additional 90 days (or longer) during the crisis as needed and as of last week Code Enforcement is only enforcing Health Safety and Welfare issues.
UTILITIES & SOLID WASTE:
In-person services have been suspended.
For assistance, call (772) 221-1434
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ways to make a utilities payment:
HazMobile: Beginning Thursday, March 26 the HazMobile program will be suspended through month of April, and we will no longer be going to the designated Public Safety/Fire Station locations throughout the County for residents to drop off their household hazardous waste. Residents will still have the option to drop off hazardous materials at the Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 9155 Busch Street in Palm City.
Reminder: Short on toilet paper during the COVID-19 outbreak? Don’t flush paper towels and wipes down the toilet. People are buying up toilet paper during the coronavirus outbreak, but flushing alternatives like paper towels and sanitizing wipes can cause big problems for sewer systems.
These bulkier products can accumulate in sewer lines and cause sewage backups and spills that are bad for human health and the environment. Learn what not to flush and what to put in the trash to help protect the sewage system and your health.
MARTY PUBLIC TRANSIT:
MARTY, Martin County's public transit service, will continue to provide service for riders performing essential activities. Increased cleaning and disinfecting will continue to be performed on all vehicles and at bus stops with seating.
Individuals utilizing public transit shall adhere to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with regards to social distancing. Passengers should make every effort to sit or stand at least six feet from any other passenger and the bus operator. Individuals that are sick are asked NOT to board MARTY vehicles.
To minimize interaction between patrons and bus operators, MARTY is suspending the sale of on-board bus passes and fare box collection through Friday, April 30.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES:
No walk-in customers are currently being accepted with the exception of drug testing. Please call our office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (772) 288-5785 for more information. In addition, no cash will be accepted and payments must be made online or with credit cards.
VETERANS SERVICES:
Veterans Services will be performing phone-in interviews only. Please call (772) 288-5448.
BOAT RAMPS:
All Martin County-owned boat ramps will be closed to recreational boating activities beginning Friday, April 3. At this time, licensed commercial fisherman will be permitted to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the boat ramps in Sandsprit Park.
Commercial fisherman will be required to produce a copy of their commercial license, and/or a Martin County business tax receipt, to utilize the ramps. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing the closures.
BEACHES:
To protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors, Martin County has closed all county-owned beaches to public access until further notice. The beach closure went into effect at sunset Sunday, March 22. This does not apply to property owners, residents and visitors at beachfront properties, who may access the beach via private access. The closure includes Sand Dune Cafe at Jensen Beach.
PARKS:
Sailfish Splash Waterpark and lap pool, as well as the Martin County Golf Course, are closed to the public. In addition, all organized programs and special events hosted at Martin County Parks and Recreation Department facilities are cancelled until further notice. All other parks remain open at this time.
LIBRARIES:
All branches of the Martin County Library System are closed to the public. In addition, all events, programs, and classes will be cancelled.
All material due dates have been extended to April 21, 2020 and no fines will be accrued. Although our buildings are closed we will still be honoring holds at all of our library locations.
You can pick up your hold by going up to the front entrance with your library card and a staff member will retrieve it for you. If you have additional questions staff is available at (772) 288-5702 x5.
While libraries are closed, the following services will be provided:
As of Friday, March 20, the collection of garbage, yard waste, bulk trash and recycling will continue without interruption based on regular schedules for Waste Management customers. For the latest information, visit the Waste Management website.
|
COMMUNITY UPDATES |
|---|
Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allocated funding to provide direct financial relief to American families as we deal with the impacts of the coronavirus.
The IRS has issued updated guidance on how to ensure that you receive your payment in a timely manner.
211:
211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect residents with resources for food, paying housing bills, mental health services and more. For assistance, dial 2-1-1, (561) 383-1112, or text your zip code to TXT211 (898211). Service is free and confidential. For more information, visit the 211 website.
BASIC NEEDS:
If you are unable to meet basic needs like housing, food and healthcare:
HOME ENERGY NEEDS:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. Apply online via the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc., ALPI website.
UNITED WAY OF MARTIN COUNTY:
To assist Martin County individuals and families who are impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Martin County is launching the COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund and has authorized up to $200,000 from their emergency fund to aid in recovery efforts.
United Way of Martin County is working with local direct service organizations to disseminate emergency funds with the appropriate sense of urgency. Learn more via the United Way Martin County website.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MARTIN COUNTY:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County will provide meals to children under the age of 18, regardless of whether or not they are club members. Free, ready-to-eat meals for families are also available. Meals provided will include dinner and a snack, and can be picked up drive-through style outside the clubs.
FOOD FOR KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL:
The Martin County School District's Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Department will serve free meals to children in our community from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Friday, May 1. Meals will be served to children aged 18 and under at the following locations:
FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The Florida Department of Children and Families' Food Assistance Program helps people with low-income buy healthy food. To apply for the Food Assistance Program (SNAP), please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website.
HOUSE OF HOPE FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
House of Hope is distributing prepackaged food directly into client’s vehicles. Clients on foot and bicycle will also be served. Those new to the House of Hope will need to bring the following information to access the service:
TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK:
Treasure Coast Food Bank supports a network of local emergency food assistance programs. If you are in need of food, please contact one of our agency partners listed on the Stop Hunger website.
For further assistance, contact the Treasure Coast Food Bank Partner Relations Dept. at (772) 489-3034 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
MEALS ON WHEELS MARTIN COUNTY:
Are you in need of meal delivery due to COVID-19? Call Meals on Wheels at (772) 223-7826 or (772) 223-7825 to sign up. The Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels program provides hot, noontime meals for those who are unable to shop or cook.
Although Meals on Wheels primarily serves seniors, it is available to all Martin County residents who have a need for this service, whether on a permanent or temporary basis (for example, following surgery). For more information, visit the Kane Center website.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has extended the unemployment benefits hotline hours to better serve individuals seeking assistance. The hotline is now available seven days a week at (800) 681-8102.
Governor DeSantis has waived the eligibility requirements for claimants currently seeking unemployment. Claimants do not need to register with the state job search portal (Employ Florida) and do not need to submit the number of employers they contact each week.
The suspension of these requirements has a retroactive start date of March 15, 2020 through May 2, 2020 pursuant to Governor’s Order 20-52. For more information, visit the Florida DEO website.
If you do not have internet access and need assistance completing the on-line application, please contact Martin County Health and Human Services at (772) 288-5785. In addition, if you need help with finding employment, please visit www.careersourcerc.com or contact Career Source at (866) 482-4473.
The Council on Aging of Martin County has resources for Martin County seniors in need. For more information related to meal delivery, the emergency food pantry, 24-hour hotline, caregiver counseling, case manager navigator and the Day Medical Center, visit the Kane Center website.
The Florida Veterans Foundation has teamed up with the American Legion of Florida to create the COVID-19 Project Vet Relief Fund. This will help with emergency assistance for those veterans who are affected by this pandemic around the state of Florida. Learn more via the Florida Veterans Foundation website.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD:
The Martin County Business Development Board has created a centralized online resource, Martin County BIZHub, to help meet the ever-changing needs and interests of local businesses. It features announcements, updates, links to state and federal business loan programs, connections to small business, job and workforce development partners and more. Businesses can also call the BDB at (772) 221-1380 or email info@bdbmc.org.
In addition, businesses affected by COVID-19 are asked to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey.
STIMULUS BREAKDOWN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES:
The stimulus breakdown for small businesses includes the funding available, the four policy initiatives included in the federal stimulus package and FAQs to help walk small business stakeholders through this process. View the stimulus breakdown here.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN:
Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations may apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. If your business has suffered substantial economic injury due to COVID-19, you may qualify for an EIDL.EIDLs provide working capital to help businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. For more information, visit the SBA website.
TOURISM, DINING, INDUSTRY:
The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing offers resources for our local tourism industry, resources for small businesses and more at their Discover Martin website.
DINING AT A DISTANCE:
We encourage you to support our local businesses by ordering from area restaurants that are offering take-out, delivery and curbside pickup services. For a list of restaurants offering amended services, visit Discover Martin's Dining at a Distance page.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES:
Martin County Tax Collector: All Martin County Tax Collector locations are closed to the public until further notice. The Martin County Tax Collector’s Office would like to remind residents that many services, including payments for property and business taxes, can be handled online or by phone. For more information, please visit the Martin County Tax Collector's website.
Martin County Clerk of the Court: The Martin County Clerk of the Court’s facilities are closed to walk-in visitors until further notice; however, essential services remain in place for protective injunctions, Baker and Marchman Acts, judicial waivers and Risk Protective Orders. Other services will be provided by phone or email and a drop box is available at the Courthouse Complex from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Clerk announced that all jury trials are cancelled through April 17; limited court hearings will be held pursuant to court administrative orders. The Florida Court’s e-Filing Portal is fully operational for court case filings.
In addition, the Clerk would like to remind residents that many services and records are available online and that court fees and traffic tickets can be paid online or by phone. Also, E-notify is a great, free way to get reminders about court hearings. For more information, please visit the Martin County Clerk of the Court’s website.
In addition, the Clerk would like to remind residents that many services and records are available online and that court fees and traffic tickets can be paid online or by phone. Also, E-notify is a great, free way to get reminders about court hearings. For more information, please visit the Martin County Clerk of the Court's website.
Martin County Property Appraiser: The Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office is closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. We would like to remind property owners that many services can be done online, including: filing homestead exemption applications, tangible personal property extension requests, mailing address changes, real property ownership and sales search, and more. To access these online services, please visit the Martin County Property Appraiser’s website.
Martin County Supervisor of Elections: The Martin County Supervisor of Elections' Office is closed to walk-in traffic. If you would like to vote by mail in the upcoming primary and general elections, register to vote or update information, please visit the Martin County Supervisor of Elections website, call the office at (772) 288-5637, or email elections@martinvotes.com. Elections staff will be available to assist you. Spanish assistance is also available.
MUNICIPALITIES:
MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOLS:
The Martin County School District is coordinating with the Florida Department of Health in Martin County to monitor the spread of the disease. On March 30, the Florida Department of Education issued additional recommendation that schools will remain closed through May 1, 2020. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday, May 4, 2020.
For technical support for laptops for virtual learning, email MCSDLaptops@martinschools.org.
For the latest school information and updates, please visit the Martin County School District's website.
AT&T:
All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program. Eligibility for Access from AT&T has been expanded to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Visit the AT&T website for more information.
COMCAST:
Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity internet subscribers. View a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots.
Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
FPL:
For customers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, FPL has resources available to help, and to the extent they are available, will continue to connect customers with resources from federal, state and local authorities.
For now, FPL is suspending disconnections at least through the end of March. For more information, visit the FPL website.
BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS:
Under the direction of Governor DeSantis, as of his order on March 17, all bars and nightclubs throughout Florida will close for the next 30 days. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will be enforcing and providing further guidance.
RESTAURANTS AND FITNESS CENTERS:
Governor Ron DeSantis signed an order for the purpose of directing all restaurants and food establishments to suspend on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers.
The listed establishments may, however, operate their kitchens for the purpose of providing delivery or take-out services; lifts the restriction that prohibits a specially licensed food service establishment from selling package sales of alcohol for delivery, take-out or consumption off-premises for restaurants; requires the closures of gymnasiums and fitness centers.
|
HEALTH UPDATES |
|---|
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
View additional prevention information from the CDC.
Florida Department of Health: FDOH is coordinating with local partners to investigate, confirm, contain and report any suspected cases, should they occur. The FDOH website has information on Florida COVID-19 cases, prevention, treatment and guidance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC has reliable and up-to-date information on how COVID-19 is spread, symptoms, prevention and treatment, as well as guidance for: businesses | home care | schools | travelers.
Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive emergency alerts including information about COVID-19 by phone, text, and/or email. To sign up, text ALERTMARTIN to 888777, or register online.
