South Florida COVID-19 Update — April 10, 2020

At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we want to ensure that our community has access to the most recent information and resources available regarding the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. To do so, we will be providing weekly updates on the evolving situation.

As always, you can reach out to our South Florida personal injury lawyer team if you have any questions about a recent injury, an ongoing claim, or your current personal injury case. Contact us today by calling (800) 431-6841 or using the contact information for an office near you. We are available for free, no-obligation case reviews.

Here are some of the top stories regarding COVID-19 in South Florida below:

South Florida COVID-19 Cases Top 10,000

South Florida continues to be a national hotspot for the spread of COVID-19. Currently, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties report a confirmed case count of 10,207 COVID-19 patients. To date, there are 225 deaths attributed to novel coronavirus infections.

Miami-Dade reports that it has exceeded 6,000 cases.

Florida as a whole has over 17,500 confirmed cases.

All told, South Florida’s COVID-19 cases make up 58.2% of Florida’s total case count, and it also makes up 57.7% of its COVID-related deaths.

Source: Miami Herald

How to Manage COVID-19 Respiratory Symptoms, Hand Washing Instructions for Kids, and Other Florida Health Resources

Those concerned about halting the spread of COVID-19 can look to our public institutions for guidance. 

Florida Health has put together several informational resources for households, businesses, and individuals.

One of the most important pieces comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) entitled 10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home. Since people with coronavirus symptoms may be encouraged to manage symptoms at home rather than going to the hospital, this information is extremely important. 

Always remember to contact your healthcare provider or local hospital at the first signs of coronavirus. You do not necessarily need to visit the emergency room, but you should monitor your symptoms closely and err on the side of caution if you feel like you need medical assistance.

Another great resource can be shared with kids or printed out and put somewhere visible. Florida Health put together a very cute poster teaching kids about proper handwashing technique.

Florida Health has also provided General COVID Prevention Guidelines as well as Guidance for Businesses and Employees.

Resources and Relief for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19

The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) has provided a helpful list of financial resources available to small businesses currently struggling with closures and other complications caused by COVID-19.

Some of the most important programs to know about include:

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan – Advances up to 10k available

SBA Debt relief for existing small business loan customers

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Disaster Recovery Counseling – Can assist with disaster planning, emergency loan applications, etc.

Governor’s Order Provides Relief from Eviction for 45 Days

Many households were already struggling with finances before a novel coronavirus pandemic tore through their lives. As a result, certain individuals may have reached a point on rent or mortgage arrears that permits their landlord to legally send them a notice of eviction. This is an unbelievably tragic occurrence when it happens, and every member of the Florida community is urged to check in on family and neighbors via phone or online messaging to help provide guidance and assistance in any way possible.

One small bright spot in this situation is that Gov. DeSantis has ordered that all tenants in the state of Florida be provided relief from eviction for at least 45 days. That means they have until May 17 to come up with an arrangement to pay off owed rent or form an agreement to avoid eviction.

This measure pales in comparison to a rent freeze and other protections urged to protect our communities’ most vulnerable citizens. Still, it may be some small comfort to those households weathering this crisis one day at a time.

Source: Local10 WPLG Miami/Ft. Lauderdale 

Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Still Available at Hard Rock Stadium

COVID-19 tests have been hard to come by in all communities. But one federally funded site is trying to improve that situation.

The drive-thru coronavirus test site stationed in the parking lot of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens has been renewed for further operations. More importantly, it is now providing testing for all individuals presenting possible coronavirus symptoms. Previously, only those who were healthcare workers, first responders, or 65 and older were eligible.

The site first opened up just under three weeks ago, and it was set to expire once federal funding ran out. But urging from DeSantis and other governors has convinced federal funding sources to keep the test site active while expanding service to other demographics.

Source: Sun-Sentinel

Grocery/Retail Employees, Customers, and Others Need to Wear Masks

To protect Miami’s workers and citizens from the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the City of Miami has ordered that, “all employees and customers in grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and convenience stores to wear masks at all times while on premises.“

The citywide order also pertains to those who perform construction work or conduct food deliveries.

Getting surgical masks has been difficult if not impossible, especially for those in the healthcare community who need them the most. Accordingly, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to purchase or hoard medical masks.

Instead, the CDC has recommended that individuals make homemade cloth masks using old t-shirts, a bandana, and other available materials.

Note that the primary purpose of wearing a mask is to prevent you from spreading the novel coronavirus to others. Many individuals who have mild cases or cases that have not yet presented symptoms can still spread COVID-19 to others.

Reach out to Experienced South Florida Injury Attorneys If You Are Hurt or Have Legal Questions

Steinger, Greene & Feiner is continuing operations to serve our communities. If you have recently been injured or have an ongoing injury case, we can provide you with guidance on your available legal options for seeking the maximum compensation available.

This assistance is especially important in a time when household budgets are stretched thin and quality healthcare comes with long wait times. If you are hurt or on the mend, you and your family deserve to know your legal options for obtaining compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and more.

Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney near you when you call (800) 431-6841 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.