When Governor Ron DeSantis removed individual fines or penalties associated with COVID-19, it caused some confusion over whether counties and cities would keep their face covering mandates in place. Wearing face coverings remains mandatory for Osceola County residents, even after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ action.
Commissioners on Monday unanimously approved an update of the County’s order so that it aligned with the Governor’s mandate. The emergency ordinance had been in place since July 20 and states that “every person working, living, visiting, or doing business in Osceola County is required to wear a cloth facial covering consistent with the current CDC guidelines while in any public place.”
Monday’s update includes a new exception for those participating in sporting events so that “persons actively engaged in competition on the field of play during organized sports events” do not have to wear a face covering.
Existing exemptions include:
- Persons under the age of two years; and
- Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition; and
- Persons working in a profession who do not have any face-to- face interactions with the public; and
- Persons working in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession; and
- Persons exercising, while observing social distancing in accordance with the CDC guidelines.
