How to Protect Yourself

The City of Westlake strongly encourages residents to follow Palm Beach County's directive to Stay Home-Stay Safe: Safer at Home Policy.

Palm Beach County strongly urges that all persons limit their movements and stay home-stay safe to minimize the spread of COVID-19, to protect the most vulnerable among us, to protect the medical community, and to protect first responders who are displaying heroic efforts in these difficult circumstances.  It is vital that all residents cooperate and restrict all travel and activities outside of their homes and residences in order to keep the community safe.  The implementation of the Stay Home-Stay Safe: Safer at Home Policy is likely to save the lives of County residents, their family members and friends, and others in the community, as well as, preserving scarce resources to allow the health community time to prepare further treatment and equipment to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

We also urge residents to follow CDC guidelines (links below) and consult your health care provider as it relates to symptoms, protecting yourself, preparation and response to suspected illness.

Symptoms

IF you have any of these symptoms (which may appear 2-14 days after exposure,) please call your medical provider, the Florida Health Department 866-779-6121 or 211 Palm Beach.:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

How to Protect Yourself

Know How it Spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take Steps to Protect yourself

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid Close Contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people ​