FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - An employee at a West Marine store in Fort Lauderdale is said to be one of the latest Broward residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Out of the four new COVID-19 cases that were confirmed by the Florida Department of Health late Thursday night, one of the patients is said to be an employee who worked at the store.
“I have just signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in the city of Fort Lauderdale in response to the growing nationwide coronavirus pandemic,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said.
Broward County has a total of 11 cases as of Friday morning. Five of the cases are related to Port Everglades, four more are unknown, however. There is also one other coronavirus patient at the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
“We have at least 11 cases of coronavirus in the greater Fort Lauderdale area with an unknown number of people awaiting test results,” Trantalis said.
The store, at 2401 S. Andrews Ave., said they, as well as other West Marine locations, are currently undergoing additional store cleaning and sanitation procedures.
West Marine has also updated their policies to allow employees to receive paid time off, unpaid leave or flexible work options for those who need it.
A statement released by West Marine reads in part, “Immediately, upon learning of this case, we consulted with state and local health experts and took all appropriate actions. West Marine continues to focus on the health and safety of our employees and customers.”
On Friday, Trantalis announced some changes that would be coming to help prevent the virus’ spread.
“We must be prepared to change our way of life for a while,” Trantalis said. “The city is prohibiting all public gatherings of more than 250 people. This includes city events, all approved special events, all city recreational programs and all organized sports leagues. I’m also ordering that every public place, including businesses, restaurants, bars and retail establishments, have alcohol-based hand sanitizer at every entrance for use of patrons and employees.”
Jury duty has also been cancelled, and those with questions are asked to call their local municipalities.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced changes regarding visitors to nursing homes in South Florida for the next month.
“This is a virus that has a disproportionately negative impact on folks who are older, who are vulnerable, who have an underlying medical condition,” DeSantis said, “and so with that in mind, we issued restrictions on access to nursing facilities and prohibit all visitation to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes in Broward County for the next 30 days.”
Meanwhile, several residents in Broward County are still trying to find a place where they can get tested.
7News has been told that some of the people who go to Broward Health Medical Center to get tested are met by medical professionals in the parking lot. They said they have been asked questions before they are even allowed access into the hospital.
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