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Government & Education

MOUNT DORA TO REQUIRE FACE MASKS STARTING JULY 10

7/7/2020

 
Picture
(Updated July 11, 2:19pm)

In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the concern for residents, visitors and business owners, Mount Dora City Council unanimously passed a resolution requiring face coverings be worn by employees and patrons inside public places throughout the City.  


Starting on Friday, July 10​, every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the City of Mount Dora is required to wear a face covering, consistent with the current CDC guidelines, while inside any public place.  This includes businesses on U.S. 441 like Publix, Walmart and Target, as well as the small businesses in downtown and the rest of the city.  Face coverings are not required outdoors.

The new resolution also requires
people within the City of Mount Dora to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet apart while in public places.


There are exemptions to the City’s face mask requirement including:
  • Children under the age of two.
  • People for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition or disability.
  • Persons working in a business or profession who are not interacting with the public and who are able to maintain social distancing from co-workers.
  • Persons working in or within portions of a business or profession who do not have face to face interaction with others.
  • Persons exercising while maintaining social distancing.​
In recent weeks, as COVID-19 cases continued to climb in Florida, Mayor Cathy Hoechst had encouraged residents through mass emails and phone calls to voluntarily wear masks for the sake of public health.  That effort was met with limited success, so the temporary resolution requiring face coverings was the Council's next step (below is a downloadable copy of the resolution).
mount_dora_-_face_covering_resolution.pdf
File Size: 1893 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Mayor and council members stated they been contacted by concerned residents encouraging them to mandate masks. Councilman Cal Rolfson shared that a couple informed him they wouldn’t return to Mount Dora businesses until masks were mandated or the threat from the novel coronavirus had passed.   Meanwhile, Sharon Crow, a downtown business owner, told the Council that although she required masks in her store, some of her patrons expressed their unease that so many people were not following the CDC’s face mask guidelines in Mount Dora. 

"It is the intent of Resolution 20-128 to achieve voluntary compliance; however, social distancing is required in all public places (inside and outdoors) and face coverings are required inside public places (not outdoors) subject to CDC listed exceptions," stated Mount Dora City Attorney Sherry Sutphen via email.   "Furthermore, it is the intent of the City to monitor the requirements set forth in Resolution 20-128 and as data and information change, the regulation parameters can be increased or decreased according to the status of the virus.  Based on the current intent of the Resolution, education of the requirements is the City’s goal for enforcement." 

As Florida’s COVID-19 cases continue to be monitored, the details of the ordinance will be reviewed again at upcoming City Council meetings in case updates are warranted.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.  ​​​​ For local things to do, click here.  For the area's entertainment calendar, click here.​ ​​
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John B. Gill
7/8/2020 08:05:38 am

What are the fines for violating this order?

John Burr
7/8/2020 09:20:46 am

Let's say it's jail time, so you're going to get Covid-19 for it. Willing to take the risk? Seriously, lots of Rona in Jail. Just wear the mask.

jackie lee
7/8/2020 11:59:50 am

let's say there is no enforcement included, so bite me

Sarah
7/8/2020 04:19:27 pm

They arent enforcing it like other places. There arent any fines or anything from what I read in some news articles.

Roderick
7/8/2020 09:45:33 am

Exactly! Is this yet another way to profit? Well I won’t go into any establishments here. When there’s no tax money going into the system and people stop spending let’s see how this city thrives.

Jay Wood
7/8/2020 02:48:31 pm

Read the actual regulation. It says they are seeking voluntary compliance. There are no repercussions to non compliance other than potentially spreading this disease.

Jim Hutcheson
7/8/2020 08:07:41 am

My family and I will find other local cities to do our shopping and eating until this silly requirement is over.

Brittany
7/8/2020 09:13:46 am

I’m with ya!

Josh
7/8/2020 11:02:02 am

Please refrain from making it leesburg. We donr need more folks like you

Kathryn Henderson
7/8/2020 11:14:46 am

Count me out, too!

Kenzie
7/8/2020 02:59:15 pm

I totally agree

Paul Marchand
7/8/2020 08:13:52 am

Another govt entity with no backbone. I’ll just not spend anymore money in your city till this is over.

Nancy
7/8/2020 11:31:58 am

Councilman Cal Rolfson shared that "A COUPLE" - that is all it takes for a whole city to cave.... pitiful

Laurie
7/8/2020 08:20:41 am

Thank you. I wear a mask and will continue to wear one in public. 😷

Mick
7/8/2020 08:21:17 am

We will stay out of Mt. Dora




Heather link
7/8/2020 09:34:39 am

So if a person has asthma and the masks prevents them from being able to breathe properly then they do not have to wear one? Do we need a doctors note on us? What is the fine for not wearing one? I am at a lost for words!

Free Breather
7/8/2020 10:17:31 am

Your health privacy is protected by HIPPA laws. It’s actually none of anyone’s business what’s going on with your health.

Miriam Lindley
7/8/2020 08:39:58 am

Glad they are doing this. Those that don’t want to wear a mask to protect others can stay away. We don’t care if you ever return.

Sharon link
7/8/2020 09:03:16 am

I hope other cities will do the same. This virus is serious, especially in the older population. If we don't take measures to stop the spread our numbers will continue to climb. In Mount Dora on June 11th we had 22 positive and July 7th we now have 118.

Beth
7/8/2020 09:06:26 am

I live in downtown Mt Dora. So many visitors have expressed relief that we were not following the ridiculous fear tactics of other towns. Just when businesses are getting back on their feet, you slam them yet again. Instead of listening to one side, why don’t you listen for the sound of footsteps as all your revenue walks away to more reasonable areas? Oh... I guess you will hear that in a few months when the coffers are empty.

Nancy
7/8/2020 11:30:00 am

Yes, I guess the Mt Dora residents have plenty of money so they won't care when their city taxes rise as the revenue decreases.

Joan Lamoureux
7/8/2020 12:22:03 pm

So, you’d rather risk being sick or even death to go shopping or eat out. Wow! This pandemic is not going away soon and people like you are the cause. We’re not sure of anything right now, why put your self and others at risk? Why? If you’re not going to wear a mask please stay away, it’s worth to me and Mt. Dora. It is what it is, don’t you think. A small inconvenience at most til we’re better.

Michael
7/8/2020 09:12:00 am

Seems to me that people running downtown (which they do) don’t have to wear a mask. This is concerning due to high and multiple amounts of wet molecules being exhaled amongst the rest of us. I would state this is more contagious than normal talking. With all that in mind, your Gym advertisement on the cover of this Buzz is quite suspicious. One more idea, maybe one side of the street could wear no masks and we could see which side has more activity...if your not sure where I stand, walk your streets for a day, ask your public (face to face) where they stand....you have a wonderful city that can take a downturn from the “inside”

Brittany
7/8/2020 09:13:12 am

Guess I’ll be traveling to other cities to do my shopping as I’m not wearing a mask! Y’all need to get a back bone and stand up for freedom!

Chris Sanford
7/8/2020 09:19:24 am

Just keep allowing the fear to tear small business's apart

John Burr
7/8/2020 09:25:10 am

This is outstanding! With transmission rates through the roof, with hospitals filling up rapidly, with another shutdown looking inevitable, I am thrilled to see politicians more interested in their duty to their constituents than they are in their own political gain. Great Job Mount Dora!

Rob Gates
7/8/2020 09:31:59 am

Good Job Mount Dora, Time for Tavares and Eustis to step up.

Kathy Graham
7/8/2020 09:33:53 am

Thank you for protecting g me in in your city!

william Porter
7/8/2020 09:35:27 am

It's about Time .
People rejecting this are not very intelligent ....

Bert McDonald
7/8/2020 09:43:10 am

Your city boundaries are so convoluted that we will never know who is or is not included, and please realize that bowing to the wishes of a FEW and affecting the MANY is not a very good response. HIPPA will prevail.

Kelly Chanley
7/8/2020 09:52:47 am

Again another City falls - even after the Mayor stated she does not believe in the face mask mandates. Although mandated it is not law and cannot be enforced. Will be doing business elsewhere even though I live here.

Gerri Rosenthal
7/8/2020 09:54:51 am

I will wear a mask for the safety of others. It's a matter of respect for others. If it saves one life!!! It was worth it.

Sherre Baker link
7/8/2020 09:55:44 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s sad to have to require such a simple and considerate act but some people evidently just don’t understand the severity of this virus. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for protecting my City and the people I care about. I applaud your Decision and I don’t think the few people that disagree with your actions will be missed in our great city!

Linda
7/8/2020 09:59:17 am

I am so glad to see this new rule. I travel between Orange county, Lake county & Seminole county about 3 times a week and I am sure I am not the only one. I think the whole Lake county should do be doing this. Just another reason I like Mount Dora! Good job!

Lori
7/8/2020 10:30:33 am

Thank you to the city of Mount Dora for doing this to protect us. Working in a shop downtown, I have been shocked at the amount of people not wearings masks. Thank you for taking everyone into consideration.

Brenda Leland
7/8/2020 10:32:09 am

Serious question: What is the protocol with masks and dining inside an establishment that has tables within the guidelines? Are we expected to wear them while we are seated? Just wondering.

Monique
7/8/2020 10:32:41 am

Thank you to our local government for keeping the health and safety of our citizens in mind. We appreciate so much this policy and are happy to comply.

Fran Wishnick
7/8/2020 10:34:33 am

Great film for the mask requirement at this time.

Sam Shaw
7/8/2020 11:30:12 am

Once again, a city government scared . Putting out an order that is only half. So they look good. Masks only required inside some business, but not outside and several other exemptions from having to wear. Who going to enforce? The police department have more important things to do than be the mask squad. This is going to kill your local business and town. Because as so many on here are saying they will just go to other areas to shop or dine.

William Smith
7/8/2020 12:10:31 pm

There will be no punishments for those concerned.

Mt Dora, like every other municipality and county knows these mandates hold no legal water and are in fact, illegal.

If punishments or consequences were dished out the lawsuits would overwhelming, as Seminole County is finding out.

No towns or counties are enforcing it, because they cannot legally do so.

All THAT being said, any business owner has the right to require it. So dont argue with a business who is complying.

Personally, shame on everyone who is bowing to these illegal shenanigans. This is what happens when civics and history aren't taught in school. Communism is right around the.corner.

S. Medina
7/8/2020 12:36:02 pm

I’m so glad that Mount Dora is doing this, It’s about time. it’s better to be safe than sorry. Those that are against it are just a few and it’s ashamed that you would be against protecting yourself and those around you. You will not be missed in Mt Dora. Hopefully Eustis and Tavares will do the same soon. Thank you Mayor of Mount Dora!

PAT SMEJEK
7/8/2020 12:48:48 pm

I am moving all my shopping to Mt. Dora. Thank you Mt. Dora merchants.

Linda
7/8/2020 01:19:40 pm

It’s about time . Masks should of been mandatory when state was reopened. We would not be in this situation now . I’m visiting out of state and they require everyone to wear a mask . It’s not that bad people. Your saving your health and someone else’s life . Congrats Mt Dora

BusTech4
7/8/2020 03:27:11 pm

Oh goodie! More masks and gloves on the side of the roads, parking lots and lakes.


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