Osceola County’s emergency order that requires people to wear face coverings in public was modified by the executive policy group on Monday afternoon.
The new order removes a potential $500 penalty and the possibility of jail time. The following exemptions are cited in the order:
· 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 professional 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.
In other action, the Osceola Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 on Monday to extend an existing state of emergency for Osceola County as part of its response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The county’s declaration provides access to resources at the State and Federal level to support community needs as well as more quickly gathering needed emergency supplies from vendors as we deal with this ongoing health crisis.
The Board will meet again on April 20 in order to extend the order an additional seven days, if needed.
On Monday, the board held its first regular meeting for April (virtually) to deal with essential items of business.
Summary of current events:
Sunday’s Business Damage Assessment survey report for Osceola County: There are 342 businesses self-reporting $27 million in economic losses. There are 1,020 employees temporarily laid off and 163 permanently laid off due to COVID-19.
· So far, just under half of Florida residents have completed the 2020 Census. Residents should take this time to complete the Census, so that Osceola County receives is fair share of Federal Funding over the next decade.
