LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Jared Moore
SUBJECT:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2021-37 - CITY COUNCIL ENCOURAGES THE WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS WITHIN PUBLIC SETTINGS AND BUSINESSES WITHIN THE CITY FOR THOSE NOT FULLY VACCINATED.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council adopt Resolution No. 2021-37:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA ENCOURAGING THE WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC SETTINGS AND WITHIN BUSINESSES WITHIN THE CITY OF PENSACOLA FOR THOSE NOT FULLY VACCINATED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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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.
In September of 2020, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-244 which, in part, suspended the collection of fines and penalties associated with COVID-19 enforced upon individuals. In March of 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order 21-65 which remitted any fines imposed between March 1, 2020 and March 10, 2021, by any political subdivision of Florida related to local government COVID-19 restrictions for individuals and businesses alike.
While the numbers for daily hospitalizations continue to fall and remain quasi-steady and the enforcement of a mandate has been lifted, and with the increased number of fully vaccinated individuals, in keeping with CDC guidelines, this items states Council’s encouragement for the continued wearing of face coverings and social distancing for those not fully vaccinated.
PRIOR ACTION:
March 9, 2020 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-52 declaring a state of emergency for the State of Florida
March 13. 2020 - President Donald J. Trump declared a state of emergency for the United States of America beginning March 1, 2020
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 No. 15-20, 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.
September 24, 2020 - Attempt to repeal Ordinance No. 15-20 failed 0-7.
September 25, 2020 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued executive Order No. 20-244 , suspending the collection of fines and penalties associated with COVID-19 enforced upon individuals
October 22, 2020- City Council extended Ord. 15-20 until December 10, 2020
December 10, 2020 - City Council extended Ord. 15-20 until February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021 - City Council extended Ord. 15-20 until March 25, 2021.
March 25, 2021 - City Council passed Resolution No. 2021-16
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution No. 2021-37
PRESENTATION: No