BROWARD COUNTY, FL –Mayor Dale V.C. Holness announced at a news conference today that Broward County has issued a Shelter-in-Place: Safer at Home Policy under Broward Emergency Order 20-03, which goes into effect tonight at midnight.   

“We are strongly urging everyone to stay at home. Statistics released today by the Florida Department of Health show 505 positive cases of COVID-19 in Broward County.  As testing continues to increase, we expect that number to increase.  That’s why it is vital to limit your contact with others and stay at home as we work together as a community to combat this virus,” said Holness.

The order does not prevent people from leaving their homes to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor’s office, healthcare appointments, gas station, exercise or other essential activities.  Social distancing guidelines as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommended. 

Dr. Warren Sturman noted that the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA) is looking for volunteers with medical degrees or related backgrounds to assist in meeting future needs that may be necessary as more people are hospitalized or treated for COVID-19.  “We’re looking for doctors, nurses, technicians, administrative assistants or other medical practitioners,” said Sturman.  To volunteer contact BCMA CEO Cynthia Peterson at cpeterson@bcma.com. 

Emergency Order 20-03 does not pertain to “essential employees” such as first responders, public health workers, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, law enforcement personnel and related contractors, persons working for emergency services providers, and governmental employees performing work in the course and scope of their employment.

“We are coordinating our efforts with all Broward cities, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties and our County Administrator and County Attorney,” said Holness.

The Order also updates the list of “essential businesses” and clarifies certain provisions. Residents and business owners/operators should read the full Emergency Order for details, and/or consult with their attorney for further clarification. All businesses that continue to operate throughout the COVID-19 crisis must operate in full compliance with CDC social distancing guidelines.

For the latest updates, visit FloridaHealth.gov, email COVID-19@flhealth.gov or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 954-357-9500. To learn what Broward County is doing, visit Broward.org/Coronavirus.

March 26, 2020
Media Contact:
Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager
Broward County Board of Commissioners
kmaroe@broward.org
(954) 357-8053