As of Friday morning, Broward County had 4,431 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of those, 157 have been fatal. The State of Florida has experienced more than 29,000 cases, of which nearly 1,000 have been fatal.

Nationally, the United States so far has recorded more than 869,000 infections and more than 49,900 fatalities. These numbers are the highest of any nation on the planet. Clearly, this situation has become very serious since the first cases were reported in the US in February.

The City of Hollywood continues to closely monitor the rate of new COVID-19 infections in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. This is important because of the transient dynamics of our region. What happens in one county often affects the others. Medical experts say that so far, scientific/medical data does not support the easing of local restrictions. As testing continues and expands throughout the region, government officials and medical experts will have a better understanding of the impacts of the virus in our community. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that the medical community has proven can be shed by asymptomatic carriers.
 
It is important to remember that this pandemic has impacted every part of the world and every region of this nation differently. Some nations that were stricken by COVID-19 have re-opened their economies and societies believing the risk of infection had passed, only to see infections spike again.

Some nations that have not implemented local restrictions have been hit very hard by COVID-19 cases and fatalities while neighboring nations that have implemented such measures have not. New York and California have seen their new case rates flatten because they have kept their protective measures in place.

It is important to keep local hospital bed capacity levels in mind when considering the easing of local restrictions. With medical experts predicting an increase in COVID-19 infections after local restrictions are lifted, we must ensure these facilities can accommodate an influx of new COVID-19 patients while also treating people with other medical issues.  

The City has taken great pride in relying on science and our partnerships with local government officials in implementing protective measures early enough to make a positive impact. We must continue to do that. The City’s primary objective is to protect the health and safety of its residents, visitors and businesses. The City is developing a Transitional Recovery Plan that will be ready for implementation when scientific/medical data and our partner agencies indicate it is the appropriate time to do so.

Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety continues to monitor the status of assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the City.
VIDEO: Hollywood Fire Rescue distributes emergency supplies to assisted living and nursing home facilities.

Our staff continues to identify and implement ways to assist our residents who are in need of food, programs that assist small businesses and general information about the pandemic and City services.
VIDEO: Highlight video from Community Food Distribution Event
 
We will continue working hard to serve our City during this emergency. For the latest information on programs and assistance for both residents and business owners, please visit the City's main website and our Economic Development website. You are also invited to watch Hollywood City Manager, Dr. Wazir Ishmael update to the Mayor and Commissioners on the City's COVID-19 response during Wednesday's Regular City Commission Meeting. WATCH THE VIDEO 


We are all in this together. #StayStrongHollywoodFL