Osceola County Adds Penalty to Face Covering Requirement
Published on July 21, 2020
PR20-69
Osceola County, Florida – Osceola County Commissioners added a penalty to an existing requirement to wear a face covering in public by a 4-1 vote on Monday in response to the continued spike in the number COVID-19 cases and the threat to public health.
Florida reported 10,347 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, marking the 6th day in a row the state has reported more than 10,000 new cases.
The County’s face covering requirement has been in place since April 13 but with cases rising and a record number of Coronavirus being reported, Commissioners last week asked for an emergency ordinance that added a penalty to that requirement. It passed Monday with Commissioner Fred Hawkins, Jr. the dissenting vote.
“Failure to comply with the Emergency Ordinance presents a serious threat to the public health, safety, and welfare, and a citation may be issued for such a violation,” the ordinance reads.
Violation is a noncriminal infraction. After a warning, a citation for a fine of $25 may be issued for second and third offenses. Subsequent offenses will bring a $50 citation per violation. While the ordinance is effective immediately, officials said enforcement will begin Friday, July 24, 2020.
“We are in the midst of a public health crisis and doing nothing was not a reasonable action,” said Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer. “The consequences of maintaining the status quo were grave. The numbers are not going down. It was not an easy decision but it was a necessary one to try and stop the spread of this disease. This action is well within our authority in the scope of this type of crisis and we urge everyone to take the situation seriously. Please wear a face covering in public, practice recommended social distancing and good personal hygiene.”
The following exemptions are cited:
- Persons under the age of two years
- Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition
- Persons working in a profession who do not have any face-to- face interactions with the public
- Persons working in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession
- Persons exercising, while observing social distancing in accordance with the CDC guidelines
Osceola Face Covering FAQ
Emergency Ordinance 2020-60 was approved by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners on Monday, July 20, 2020 as conditions presented by the threat of COVID-19 continued to pose a threat to the public health that required dynamic emergency response, including the imposition of additional mitigation strategies.
- What does the emergency ordinance state?
- 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 or face a penalty.
- When does it go into effect?
- Beginning on Friday, July 24, 2020.
- Who will enforce it?
- Enforceable by local law enforcement and Osceola County code enforcement, a violation of this Emergency Ordinance is a noncriminal infraction. Prior to the issuance of a citation, the individual will be asked to comply with the Emergency Ordinance or be able to state which exception applies to them.
- What are the penalties?
- A citation may be issued for such a violation
- A warning for the first offense followed by,
- $25 citation for second and third offenses
- $50 citation for each violation thereafter
- What are the exceptions?
The following exemptions are cited:
- Persons under the age of two years
- Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition
- Persons working in a profession who do not have any face-to- face interactions with the public
- Persons working in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession
- Persons exercising, while observing social distancing in accordance with the CDC guidelines
- How do I report a violation?
- Residents can call the law enforcement or code enforcement agency in their jurisdiction via non-emergency lines.
- Osceola County Sheriffs Office: 407-348-2222
- Kissimmee Police Department: 407-846-3333
- St. Cloud Police Department: 407-891-6700
- Osceola County Code Enforcement: 407-742-0400.
- Report other suspected COVID-19 violations to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/eo-complaints/ or call (850) 487-1395.
Background information
The order will apply until further notice. Osceola County has had a mandatory face covering order in place since April 13. The Executive Policy Group enacted an emergency order requiring all people working, living, visiting or doing business in Osceola County to wear face coverings (not face masks) while in public places from April 13 until further notice.?
A face covering, according to the CDC’s guidance, can help stop the spread of the disease, especially if someone is asymptomatic.
Face coverings should be a uniform piece of material that securely covers a person’s nose and mouth and remains affixed in place without the use of one’s hands. Examples include bandanas, t-shirts, scarves, or any other piece of cloth.
Learn more about the importance of using face coverings and how to make your own at home:
CDC Information for Face Coverings and How to Make Coverings at Home (Sew and No Sew)
El Condado de Osceola Agrega Multas al Orden de Coberturas Faciales
Condado Osceola, Florida – Los Comisionados del Condado de Osceola añadieron multas a un requisito existente del uso de coberturas faciales en público por un voto de 4-1 el lunes en respuesta al aumento continuo en el número de casos de COVID-19 y la amenaza a la salud pública.
Florida reportó 10,347 nuevos casos de COVID-19 el lunes, marcando el sexto día consecutivo que el estado ha reportado más de 10,000 nuevos casos.
El requisito de coberturas faciales del condado ha estado en vigor desde el 13 de abril, pero con el aum