UPDATE-11
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
4/1/2020
UPDATE-11
Today Governor Desantis ordered all residents of the state of Florida to stay at home effective Thursday (4/2/2020) at midnight. This order will “limit all movement” outside of essential services and activities statewide and is good news. The current restrictions have had a positive effect but were not deemed sufficient. Since Fort Lauderdale was already under stay at home restrictions this should not mean any changes for us but just reinforces the city’s previous decision. Hopefully this will speed up the road to recovery.
I continue to be asked about playing tennis and I understand things can be confusing. Experts support getting exercise during this time and there was even a Q & A in the Sun Sentinel stating that tennis was an acceptable exercise. That is true is you follow the distancing guidelines and you have a private court in your yard. The current Broward County restrictions adopted the definition of Miami-Dade County for non-essential businesses. That definition of non-essential businesses includes tennis clubs and golf clubs. The definition was clarified to include all common areas of condo associations and their tennis courts. Police are now going to non-essential businesses in the city that have stayed open in violation of the order and closing them down. We will continue to monitor the restrictions and look forward to opening the courts asap. In the meantime I would encourage walking to get some exercise which can help boost your immune system.
Fortunately, the experts seem to agree getting the virus is preventable. Just stay at home. If you must go out for groceries or another essential trip keep your hands clean (wash/sanitize before and after touching anything), maintain a 6’ distance from everyone (always remember an individual with no symptoms can still be a transmitter of the virus) and don’t touch your face. Understand the primary purpose of masks for you is stopping the touching of the face so just don’t touch it. If you do these simple steps the chance of getting the virus is minimal.
NOTE: Several people have asked about paying their monthly maintenance. Nothing has changed. You can pay by bill pay, check by mail or drop off a check at the mailbox by the front door of the clubhouse. Cobb is processing payments daily.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-10
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/30/2020
UPDATE-10
The most commonly asked questions these days seems to be “when will the courts open again”, “when can I play tennis again” or some variant. The bottom line is no one knows. The current stay at home restrictions in Fort Lauderdale are scheduled to last until April 16 but no one knows what will happen next at this point. The governor signed a new order today extending the statewide restrictions until the middle of May.
Regardless of what the city or state requires, it's imperative that you stay home as much as you can to prevent the spread, even if you consider yourself young and healthy. And if you are immune suppressed, elderly, pregnant, or have young children, this is especially important.
Another reason to stay home: you can have the virus and be contagious even if you're not displaying any symptoms.
While these precautions may seem intense, this is necessary for so many reasons, including the fact that it literally will save lives. Lessening the speed and severity of the spread will ease the burden on hospitals and healthcare providers (think: fewer COVID patients in the ICU, more capacity to take care of people with other life-threatening traumas and illnesses).
Because there is no vaccine or treatment specific to this strain of coronavirus, your best defense (aside from washing your hands and cleaning germ-ridden surfaces) is to stay home and avoid contact with people as much as possible. So, do your part and help save lives!
Some of you may have seen the courts being worked on and thought we were preparing them for play. Not so. Volunteers are doing minimal maintenance to keep the courts from deteriorating. If we were to simply water the clay it can harden plus cover the lines. We are brushing the courts and cleaning the lines so when we are ready to open again the courts will be ready.
Be safe and be patient. This will pass.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-9
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/29/2020
UPDATE-9
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rapidly increase, please remember that an Emergency Declaration is in effect that requires residents of the City of Fort Lauderdale to stay at home in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Under the Emergency Declaration, travel in the City of Fort Lauderdale is restricted to visiting essential businesses only, including but not limited to, grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare providers, gas stations, and childcare facilities. At this point the earliest possible date for easing of restrictions is April 16.
I know everyone is frustrated and probably bored even with the current situation so I want to share with you what another country is doing above and beyond what is being done here. My wife, Malinda, is originally from the Philippines. Although she has spent most of her life here all her family with the exception of one sister is still in the Philippines so we have daily contact with family there. It is a country with a population of 109 million people and much closer to the source of the corona virus pandemic. To date they have recorded 1418 cases of corona with 71 fatalities (South Florida has had 2363 cases out of a population of 6.69 million). Even though they have fewer cases with a much larger population than even south Florida the entire country and 100% of its residents are on lockdown. There is no travel permitted. They are issuing new identification cards so only one person per household may leave the house to get food or medical supplies. No person may leave the home without a mask. There are roadblocks/checkpoints everywhere to enforce to orders. To make it worse a large percentage of the residents there live day to day and have no way to earn anything to buy food. Other countries have similar strict procedures to limit the virus spread.
Be thankful for the comparatively small inconveniences we face and recognize if we don’t follow guideline things will get worse and restrictions tougher.
Please remember the importance of:
· Keep a safe distance of 6’
· Wash hands frequently (a minimum of 20 seconds with soap)
· Keep hands away from the face area
· Stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
If you need assistance with a delivery Faith Farm has offered to help. You can call Heather at 954-702-0451. If you have a problem and need help let someone know. You can call a neighbor, ask your building president or let me know. We are all in this together and it will pass if everyone follows the guidelines.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-8
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/27/2020
UPDATE-8
As expected the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale issued today an emergency order requiring residents of the city to stay at home in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19.
Fort Lauderdale and cities across Broward County came together to take unprecedented action to protect the people of our communities. This mandatory order is critical because we are at a tipping point in the fight against this deadly and contagious virus. Now is the time to stay at home. If we do not do so, the virus could spread rapidly through our community and overwhelm our hospitals. Without concerted action, people are at risk and lives at stake.
Under the Emergency Declaration, travel in the city of Fort Lauderdale is restricted to visiting essential businesses only, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare providers, gas stations, and childcare facilities. Residents and visitors may also support restaurants offering drive-thru, delivery, and take-out services.
Essential businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open provided that they follow the employee screening guidelines and cleaning protocols outlined in the declaration. Screening guidelines include, but are not limited to, prohibiting employees from entering work premises if they have returned or been in contact with someone who has returned from international travel or been on a cruise in the last 14 days; been in any gathering of 50 or more people in the last 14 days; traveled to any cities with high numbers of COVID-19 cases; or exhibited any of the COVID-19 symptoms.
The declaration also includes specific criteria for social distancing in public including requirements that individuals stay at least six feet apart whenever practicable. Additionally, individuals exhibiting flu or COVID-19 like symptoms should not enter any public place; should contact their medical provider by phone before visiting the medical provider’s office; and use the drive thru or delivery service to receive their prescription or medications.
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Emergency Declaration will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 and will remain in effect up through and including April 16.
NOTE: President Trump has signed the relief bill passed by both the house and senate.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-7
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/26/2020
UPDATE-7
Broward County issued an order today “strongly urging all residents to stay at home, with the exception of engaging in essential activities” as of 12:01AM tonight. Miami has gone a little further and ordered all residents to stay at home with all “non-essential” travel banned within the city. Broward County has been following the lead of restrictions in Dade County generally a few days later so we might anticipate even stronger restrictions in Broward soon. Ending the current situation depends on people heeding the warnings and staying apart. During this period it will be OK to walk around the club and get exercise but just remember to keep your distance at all times. Be safe out there.
Here are two important hotline numbers for information:
Florida Department of Health-866-779-6121
Broward County COVID-19 information-954-357-9500
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-6
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/25/2020
UPDATE-6
Today I will focus the update on community resources available to all members and their families but first I would like to explain why you may be getting two updates. I am sending updates out using our LTC website software to all members who have signed up. That email comes to you as from Robert (Staff) Shomer. You can reply directly to me from that email. Additionally, to get the widest distribution we are also sending the same information out via Constant Contact which has additional emails. That email will come to you as Robert Shomer, President LTC. If you reply to that email it will go to the Constant Contact site where either I or someone else will need to log in to see your response. I am trying to respond to all emails in a timely fashion.
Here are some resources and information for members:
Mental Health-Our member, Narcissa Sierra LMHC, is a mental health professional. She has offered two free counseling sessions to any member over 65 plus first responders. She can be reached at 914-295-0431. She specializes in; anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions & adjustments to life transitions. More information can be found at www.journeyawareness.com
Tax filing-The IRS has announced a new filing deadline of July 15
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has stopped foreclosures and evictions for the next 60 days
If you are unable to work because of the virus, caring for someone with the virus or laid off you may apply for unemployment at www.floridajobs.org/fileaclaim
Hispanic Unity has launched a website to help Spanish speaking members with resources and information. It is www.hufsafety.org
Broward County Public Schools will continue to support students with grab and go meal service for breakfast (8-10) and lunch (11-1). Additional information is available at www.browardschools.com/coronavirus
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-5
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/24/2020
UPDATE-5
This continues to be a difficult and stressful time for all. I wanted to let those who may need assistance know Faith Farm has offered help doing things like getting groceries. For more information those needing assistance may call Heather at 954-702-0451. Also, anyone having other resources for members can let me know and I will include the information in a future update so all can benefit. Be safe.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
FYI, here is today’s statement from Fort Lauderdale’s mayor, Dean Trantalis, which sums up things very well:
COVID-19 Update
Virus at critical juncture in community; precautions essential for public health
Ever since we issued our first emergency order regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, our community has responded admirably. But now, we have reached a critical juncture in our fight to bring this deadly and contagious virus under control.
The actions we take over the coming days — both together and as individuals — are important to ensuring we all get through this together and how many people become infected.
The total number of cases in our state has surpassed 1,400. Greater Fort Lauderdale, along with neighboring Miami-Dade County, is the epicenter of the disease’s spread. When I issued that first declaration on March 13, Broward County had just 11 cases. Now, there are 311 — almost a 30-fold increase in just 11 days. We can expect many more people will become infected as testing becomes more readily available.
This cannot be stated strongly enough: The time to act is now.
We must greatly limit social interaction until the rate of infection declines. It is time to stay home. This disease spreads when people are in close contact, and few know if they are carriers of the virus. Working together with Gov. DeSantis and Broward County, we have implemented a very aggressive set of emergency orders to fight off COVID-19.
We have closed non-essential businesses and places where groups congregate, including restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters. We closed our beaches, our parks, our libraries, our museums. Assisted living facilities are on lockdown to protect our most vulnerable. The governor yesterday even ordered the quarantining of people traveling to Florida from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
These are tough times and required decisive, unprecedented action. Our nation has not faced a health crisis of this magnitude in many decades.
Many of you are complying with these responsible and reasonable orders. I’m grateful for your actions and your response. Unfortunately, too many of our neighbors are not taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously. This weekend, people were walking in large groups along the sidewalks on the barrier island. Other crowds took to their boats and partied along the Intracoastal Waterway and on the sandbar in the middle of the New River. This is exactly what we should not be doing. This literally puts lives at risk.
As a result, local government has worked together to institute some additional common sense orders. Marinas and boat ramps are closed except for some very limited reasons. The Police Department has closed the sandbar in cooperation with the property owner. I am also now ordering the closure of public parking garages and lots on the beach.
I’m particularly concerned with the lack of commitment from our younger folks. You might think that you are less inclined to get infected and become sick and thus say, “So, what the heck. Let’s party.” But you can be an unknowing carrier who spreads the virus to those who are more at risk of serious illness. That could be your parents, your grandparents or a friend who has a compromised immune system. Please listen. You can save a life.
I urge everyone to follow the instructions that the state, county and city have laid out. They are important for the health and safety of not just yourself, but of your family, loved ones, friends and neighbors.
Only essential businesses should be open. Stay at home unless you need to go to the grocery store or have some other emergency need. Keep a safe distance from others if you must leave your house. Until this is behind us, order some takeout, start a good book, binge-watch that TV series you heard so much about or call an old friend. Remember, this situation is only temporary and we can keep it short if we promise to sit tight, stay put and remain vigilant.
This community has united before in times of crisis. The response last year when Hurricane Dorian seemed headed for us was amazing — people made necessary preparations and hunkered down. With COVID-19, we may not have live shots of Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel to help drive home the danger, but that does not make this moment any less perilous.
Fort Lauderdale is a resilient community, and we can weather this storm. We have a lot of work ahead. Businesses are suffering, and many individuals have either been laid off or lost their jobs. We will work diligently to bring our economy back. We will do it together. We will be a stronger community as we are united in our belief that this is one of the most special places in the world there is to live.
For now, shelter in place. Stay home. It’s the right thing to do. For you… For all of u
CLUB CLOSURE
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/20/2020
UPDATE-3
CLUB CLOSURE
Florida governor DeSantis has ordered all non-essential businesses in south Florida closed by the end of business today. Accordingly LTC will cease all operations. Additionally, travel will be restricted to necessary trips for food and medical. Walking outside will still be permitted but as previously all individuals should maintain proper distance. FYI, the entire states of New York and California representing 18% of the nations population are under the same orders to help slow the spread of the corona virus. There has been no time frame for these restrictions but I will continue to send updates as this situation progresses and new information is available.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE-2 03/17/2020
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/17/2020
UPDATE-2
Monday was the first day of partial club closure and I hope everyone is thankful for having the ability to play tennis. The USTA has since changed their recommendation from clubhouse closing to total club closing in the last two days but private clubs in the area continue to operate. Additionally, Holiday Park which previously was thought closed is now open for play. This is a very serious situation and both Fort Lauderdale and Dade county have issued new stricter guidelines including prohibiting more than 10 to a gathering and all restaurants, bars, gyms and fitness centers are closing immediately for 30 days. Broward County has the most confirmed cases in the state and the number is increasing every day. Those of you who are watching the news have also seen more countries are now on lockdown joining Italy and Spain. This is a worldwide pandemic issue that probably will only get worse before it gets better. That said the LTC Board has elected to continue allowing members to play. It is our intention with member cooperation to keep open as long as possible. I would like to encourage everyone to cooperate with staff and follow our interim procedures. We have had many requests from members for exceptions and to be fair we simply cannot make any exceptions at this time. To be clear the clubhouse is closed, the gym is closed (the only exception has been for Kelly Painter who is a separate licensed and insured business that pays LTC a fee to use the facility one person at a time) and the patio bar is closed. Additionally, since LTC has a liquor license no alcoholic beverages are permitted to be brought on the premises. We all recognize there will be inconveniences but the alternative is no tennis. With everyone’s cooperation and some luck we will be able to continue playing. I will continue to send updates as this situation progresses.
NOTE: Play is restricted to members only during this period. Any member feeling even the slightest symptom should refrain from playing or socializing. Keep a safe distance from others at all times and wash hands or sanitize frequently. All members are playing at their own risk and understand the current situation involving the corona virus is serious and not to be taken lightly.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
UPDATE 3/14/2020
NOTICE
TO ALL LTC MEMBERS
3/14/2020
UPDATE
Today has been a day filled with frustrations by many members. There are those who are upset we did not close the club entirely feeling we are putting members at risk and at the other end of the spectrum members are upset we closing at all. In between there is a wide variety of opinions about what should be done. No answer will please everyone. Since the notice was posted additional tennis facilities locally have closed entirely, the USTA has cancelled all events nationally and recommended closure of all clubhouses and even major employers such as Apple have announced store closures. Until the situation is under control closures and restrictions will only increase. Any member feeling even the slightest symptom should self-quarantine and under no circumstances come into the area of other members. Italy now has its 60 million residents on lockdown as does Spain. In those countries all restaurants, bars, hotels, schools and other non-essential businesses are now closed. People will only be allowed outside of their homes for essential activities, such as purchasing food and medicine, going to work, visiting medical centers and banks, or traveling to help take care of those who are young or elderly. Hopefully we will be taking the necessary precautions in this country to not need that drastic response but in the meantime every member should take this seriously and understand partial closure and possible total closure of the tennis club is for the benefit and safety of all members. I will continue to send updates as this situation progresses.
Robert
Robert Shomer, LTC President
PARTIAL CLUB CLOSURE 3/14/2020
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