BoCC approves mask mandate for county offices

MEDIA RELEASE:

On Wednesday, July 15th, 2020, Indian River County's Board of County Commissioners approved a mask mandate for anyone entering or working inside of a county building. The ordinance reads as follows:

On Wednesday, July 15th, 2020, Indian River County's Board of County Commissioners approved a mask mandate for anyone entering or working inside of a county building. The ordinance reads as follows:

1. All persons working in restaurants, grocery stores, food service, salons, gyms, any retail establishments, or businesses open to the public or any other indoor facility visited by the public shall wear face coverings.

2. All persons entering an indoor County facility including, but not limited to; the County Administration Building, libraries, iG center, fire rescue stations, etc. shall wear face coverings.

3. All persons utilizing public transit and transportation in Indian River County shall wear face coverings.

4. All other persons physically present in any public place in Indian River County are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.

5. A face covering includes any covering which snugly covers the nose and mouth, whether store bought or homemade, and which is secured in place. Persons who wear masks should review the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines regarding properly and safely applying, removing, and cleaning masks.

6. EXCEPTIONS: A face covering shall not be required for the following persons:

• A. Persons under the age of six years;
  
• B. Persons observing social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines;
  
• C. Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition or disability;
  
• D. Persons working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other persons;
  
• E. Persons working in a business or profession who maintain social distancing from another person or work in their personal office with no interactions from other persons;
  
• F. Persons working in a business or profession where use of a face covering would prevent them from performing the duties of the business or profession;
  
• G. Persons exercising, while maintaining social distancing;
  
• H. Persons eating or drinking;
  
• I. Public safety, fire and other life safety and health care personnel, as their personal protective equipment requirements will be governed by their respective agencies; or
  
• J. The requirement shall not apply when a person who is hearing-impaired needs to see the mouth of someone wearing a face covering in order to communicate.
  

The penalties for this emergency ordinance, if uncontested, is:

• a) For a first offense, a warning.
  
• b) For a second offense, a fine of $25.00.
  
• c) For a third and each subsequent offense, a fine of $50.00.
  
• d) All other remedies available at law or equity, including injunction, but excluding incarceration, remain available to the County, even after issuance of a citation.
  

You can read more about the county ordinance here: