Florida's surgeon general has issued a public health advisory calling for everyone to wear masks in public, with a few exceptions.
The public health advisory issued by Scott Rivkees was filed Monday morning.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Coronavirus
Within it, Rivkees wrote that "all individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following is applicable:"
- A child is under two years of age
- An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering
- An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service
- An individual works in a profession where the use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession or,
- An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place
Gov. Ron DeSantis has not issued an executive order requiring that Floridians wear masks.
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Along with the guidance regarding masks, the advisory encourages people over 65 years old and those with "high-risk conditions" to try to stay home, wash their hands often and frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces.
Lastly, residents are being asked to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people. If you are involved in a gathering of fewer than 50 people, the advisory said that you should wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Rivkees' advisory comes after a 20-day surge in cases of COVID-19. In Florida, since June 3, the state has reported more than 1,000 new cases each day except one.
You can read the full advisory below:
Scott Rivkees' Public H... by WTXL ABC 27 on Scribd