All Community Services Department (CSD) offices remain open, until further notice. As of Monday, March 16, 2020, all department meetings, trainings, and events are postponed for 30 days. As a precautionary measure to protect our clients from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), CSD emphasizes infectious disease prevention practices such as social distancing, teleworking, minimizing travel, remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

To ensure the continuity of services to our families and children, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) clients are encouraged to apply for services online using the Self-Service Virtual Appointments System— OSCARSS' online application that allows clients to apply and process a complete LIHEAP application from any computer or mobile device without the need to come to the office. To access the Self-Service Virtual Appointment System application, go to www.pbcgov.org/OSCARSS.

Following the recommendations of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Health - Palm Beach County (FHPBC), the Division of Senior Services (DOSS) has taken additional measures and cancelled/modified the following services as an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

·       Effective Friday, March 20, 2020 all three senior centers, located at Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade, will be closed.
·       The Congregate Meal Program will be its serving the last meal on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
·       Only the adult day care centers will be providing services for participants. 

For additional information about DOSS' services update, click here.

Exercising good hygiene remains the most effective way to prevent illnesses and avoid exposure to the virus. The CDC and FHPBC's instructions for good hygiene include washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. In the case that soap and water are not readily available, it is recommended to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Other ways to prevent exposure is to avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face, and to stay home if sick.  

Palm Beach County Community Services Department will continue to monitor the status of the COVID-19 in the area and will communicate any updates as soon as it becomes available on our website's Latest News section.

For updated information on COVID-19 in Palm Beach County, please visit www.pbcgov.com and watch PBC-TV Channel 20.