Orange County joins Osceola in mandatory face mask wearing in public, amid COVID-19 case record increases

When Osceola issued an order making the wearing of masks mandatory in public places, many questioned the decision. Today, Orange County, including within the city limits of Orlando, joined Osceola with a new county-wide order that was issued by Mayor Jerry Demings.

The executive order comes as COVID-19 cases have recently skyrocketed in Orange County, and in much of Florida. The Florida Department of Health on Thursday reported 3,207 new cases of COVID-19, as well as 43 new deaths and 34 cases in Osceola County.

Under Demings’ order, “every person working, living, visiting or doing business in Orange County,” will be required to wear face coverings consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, while in any public space.

The mandate goes into effect Saturday, June 20 at 12:01 a.m. until further notice.

“The executive order is in the best interest of all businesses, especially the bars and restaurants,” Demings said. “We do not want to experience another shutdown within our community.”