County reiterates executive order, but no change at county buildings yet

The executive order cuts restriction on restaurants, bars, gyms and other facilities.


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  • | 2:48 p.m. September 28, 2020
The Flagler County Government Services Building. File photo by Brian McMillan
The Flagler County Government Services Building. File photo by Brian McMillan
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Gov. Ron DeSantis' Executive Order 20-244 took effect on Friday, Sept. 25, moving Florida into Phase 3 of the governor’s “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan” for Florida’s Recovery from COVID-19 and rescinding the restrictions of previous orders.

However, the status of the governmental buildings and facilities owned and operated by Flagler County will remain unchanged for at least the next two weeks.

“Everything will remain status quo until we meet with all of the constitutional officers who use our facilities,” County Administrator Jerry Cameron said. “We have an obligation to protect our staff, as well as our residents.”

Some locations – like the Public Library, for example – rely heavily on volunteers to be fully operational. Hours there are already reduced, because only 25% of 150 volunteers feel comfortable working in a public building.

Private businesses retain the right to refuse service to those not wearing masks, and may require social distancing.

The Governor’s Executive Order 20-244 eliminates the following restrictions from previous orders:

EO 20-112 (Phase 1):

  • Bars/Nightclubs – No on-premise alcohol consumption
  • No gym openings
  • No vacation rentals
  • Restaurants – 25% capacity
  • Retail stores, Museums, and Libraries — 25% capacity

EO 20-123 (Full Phase 1):

  • Restaurants – 50% capacity, No seating at bar tops
  • Retail stores, Museums, and Libraries – 50% capacity
  • Gyms – 50% capacity
  • Amusement parks must submit a plan for reopening to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
  • Vacation rentals must submit a plan for reopening to DBPR

EO 20-192:

  • DBPR will enforce restaurant implementation of employee screening protocol pursuant to CDC guidance

“Additionally, the executive order stated that no local COVID-19 restrictions can prevent an individual from working or operating a business – or to allow the collection of fines and penalties – but at the county level, we don’t have any of these measures in place,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord.

 

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