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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issued an executive order at a Thursday press conference requiring face coverings for all residents, workers, and visitors to Orange County, effective Saturday, June 20 until “pursuant to COVID-19 unless earlier rescinded” – meaning, until further notice.
Mayor Demings stated that he was moved to make the decision when confronted with the news that Florida hit a milestone of 3,207 new cases of coronavirus today. Despite declaring face coverings as mandatory in public spaces, there will be no penalties or fines leveled for anyone found not wearing them. Demings says he is looking for “voluntary compliance” and choosing to not wear them will not carry a criminal penalty.
The executive order was made under the State of Local Emergency that was declared on March 13 due to COVID-19.
Governor DeSantis has stated that he refuses to back step on any of the statewide reopening measures, despite the rise in cases.
Read the full executive order below for more information, including exemptions like employees and patrons of first response, government, healthcare or medical, veterinarian, shelter or rehabilitation, childcare, utility providers, construction, or transit agencies.
William, it is mandatory. The order says it’s “required” (which is the same as mandatory). There is not a punishment yet, but that does not change the fact that this in fact an order, not a recommendation.
I have no problem with the local government making an “executive order”, but what is the point if there aren’t fines / punishments? If people don’t want to wear them this Order will not change their minds. If the Mayor really wanted to have people wear masks then it should be mandatory.