Osceola County residents now required to wear face covering when in public

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Osceola County are now required to wear a mask or face covering when making public appearances in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

County officials issued the ordered last week.

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.

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

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

Officials said if one doesn’t own a mask, they could create a face covering out of materials such as head scarves and old T-shirts.

County leaders said they’re following South Florida’s lead - saying “every person working, living, visiting or doing business” there must wear a cloth facial covering.

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

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.

Two of the county’s five commissioners believe that wearing masks should be a recommendation and not a mandate, but did not vote on the issue.

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