LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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REPEAL OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 36-20 REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS IN BUSINESSES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council repeal Emergency Ordinance Number 36-20, requiring the wearing of face coverings in businesses within the city limits.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
Conditions presented by the threat of Covid-19 posed a threat to the public health that required a dynamic emergency response. The use of face coverings was identified as a measure to assist in preventing individuals who may be shedding the Covid-19 virus from spreading it to other individuals. To reduce the spread of the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recommended the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as inside businesses.
On June 22, 2020, after Florida reported more than 4,000 new cases of Covid-19 in a single day, State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees issued an additional public health advisory recommending people wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible, stating that in gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should maintain at least six feet distance from each other and wear a face covering.
To date, there has been a continued downward trend in daily hospitalizations due to COVID-19. It is believed that with ongoing preventative actions, including social distancing and washing hands often, these practices will allow for the repeal of mandated face coverings within public places in the City. The City strongly encourages people to wear face coverings in public settings where social distancing is not possible.
PRIOR ACTION:
March 13. 2020 - President Donald J. Trump declared a state of emergency for the United States of America beginning March 1, 2020
March 9, 2020 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-52 declaring a state of emergency for the State of Florida
March 16, 2020 - The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners issued Resolution R2020-24 declaring a state of emergency for Escambia County
April 29, 2020 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-112 initiating Phase 1 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
June 3, 2020 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-139, initiating Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.
June 30, 2020 - City Council adopted Emergency Ordinance Number 36-20, requiring the wearing of face coverings in businesses within the city limits. The ordinance expires with the City’s state of emergency unless terminated earlier or extended by the City Council.
August 13, 2020 - City Council most recently extended the City’s declaration of a state of emergency until September 24, 2020.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
9/15/2020
STAFF CONTACT:
Keith Wilkins, City Administrator
ATTACHMENTS:
1) City of Pensacola State of Emergency 20-01
2) Executive Order 20-52
3) Executive Order 20-112
4) Executive Order 20-139
5) Emergency Ordinance 36-20
PRESENTATION: No end