Wear a face mask and the spread stops with you

The Board of County Commissioners recently passed a local resolution requiring face coverings be worn in Manatee County businesses, which was implemented on July 27, 2020. This resolution requires everyone entering business within Manatee County to wear a face covering.

The Board based their decision on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the local Health Department. At the special meeting called to discuss the issue, Manatee County Health Officer (Director of the Florida Department of Health, Manatee County) Dr. Jennifer Bencie stated unequivocally that face masks/coverings are the single best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Board — and our entire local government — is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our citizens, enacting this resolution in an effort to limit the impacts of this global pandemic on our local citizens.

The resolution requires any individual in a business establishment to wear a face covering while inside the business, unless social distancing can be achieved (6 feet or more apart). The mask mandate will not apply to children under age six or to those “who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition or individuals with a documented or demonstrable medical problem.” (View more information about the meeting and the resolution online.)

In order to help you meet the requirements of the order, we have put together a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on the County’s website to address some of the main concerns you may have. Some highlights from the FAQs are listed below:

• DO I NEED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING WHILE EXERCISING INDOORS?
  You do not need to wear a face covering while exercising indoors if you are able to keep six feet of distance from others. Face coverings are not required outdoors in Manatee County.
• DOES THE REQUIREMENT INCLUDE ALL OF MANATEE COUNTY?
  Yes. The resolution requiring face coverings is intended to have countywide application. Local cities may adopt different rules and procedures.
• IS A BUSINESS REQUIRED TO POST THAT FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED WHILE INDOORS?
  Yes. All businesses must post a notice visible to all customers that face coverings are required. Signage for business owners is available here.
• IS A BUSINESS REQUIRED TO ENFORCE THE EMERGENCY ORDER?
  No. Local law enforcement is responsible for enforcing the Emergency Resolution. However, businesses should inform patrons of the requirement and allow them to comply.

Please contact us if you have any questions about this order. You can get more information from our information hotline Manatee 311 by dialing 3–1–1 from any phone within Manatee County or by dialing (941) 748–4501 if calling from outside Manatee County. Operators are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thank you for your cooperation. All of us with Manatee County Government wish you and your loved ones the best of health.