'Good for the public’: Osceola County will require face coverings in public starting Monday

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County leaders issued an order that requires those out in public to be covering their face or wearing a mask.

The order requires every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the county to wear a face covering consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines while in a public place.

The order goes into effect Monday at 12:01 a.m.

Leaders said anyone who violates the order will be fined $500 or serve 60 days in jail.

Read: How to make face masks at home

What if you don’t have a medical-grade N95 mask, or any mask at all? Don’t worry -- you can easily make one out of materials such as head scarves and old T-shirts.

The following exceptions were given by the county:

• Anyone under the age of 2
• Persons whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition.
• Persons working in professions where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession.
• Persons exercising while observing social distancing guidelines.

At the Walmart in Kissimmee, some shoppers were already wearing masks and gloves. But soon, wearing a mask won’t be a choice, and shoppers agreed.

“I think it is a good thing for the public,” said resident Vince Torreda.

“It’s a good thing so you won’t get the virus,” said resident Mike Cottrell.

Cities in South Florida in Los Angeles have implemented similar measures.

Read: Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic

To learn how to make a face covering, click here.

To learn more about the order, click here.

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Cox Media Group