Commissioners Rescind Facial Covering Ordinance; Encourage Vaccinations and Personal Choice of Facial Coverings

MONROE COUNTY, FL – In the transitional period following Governor DeSantis’ recent executive order 21-102, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners rescinded the local facial covering ordinance in place to protect Monroe County citizens from COVID-19. At the meeting held to repeal the local ordinance, the commissioners urged citizens to get vaccinated. They also said employees and patrons have a personal choice to continue wearing facial coverings in the community and in government buildings if they choose.

“This pandemic is not over. We still have to be careful, be smart, and be safe out there,” said County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “There are still active cases in the community, we are in the fourth quarter, but it isn’t the end of the game yet.”

The commissioners also mentioned the Governor’s executive order allowing businesses to continue to require patrons and employees to wear facial coverings, if they choose, with enforcement being trespassing on private property.

Mayor Michelle Coldiron asked that residents be kind to one another regarding their choice of continuing to wear or not wear a facial covering. “We should be respectful of each other’s decisions,” she said.

Please remember to continue to wash your hands, stay home if sick, and practice social distancing. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations can be found at www.cdc.gov. If you have not been vaccinated yet and wish to do so, information on vaccinations can be found at monroe.flhealth.gov/vax. As of today, 49 percent of Monroe County residents have been vaccinated.