As CDC Updates Outdoor Mask Guidance, FL Counties Review Policies

FLORIDA — While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday relaxed its guidelines for face coverings, it's uncertain how this will affect mask mandates in Florida's counties and cities.

The CDC now recommends those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear their masks outdoors, unless in a crowded venues or settings.

"If you are fully vaccinated and want to attend a small outdoor gathering with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, or dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households, the science shows if you are vaccinated, you can do so safely unmasked," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a virtual White House briefing on Tuesday, CNN reported.

There was never a statewide mask mandate in the Sunshine State at any point during the coronavirus pandemic. Florida recommends, but doesn’t require, face coverings in public in most scenarios.

And Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order deeming county- and city-level COVID-19 measures — including face masks — unenforceable.

With the new CDC recommendations, Leon County, where the state capital, Tallahassee, is located, announced it won’t make any changes to its mask mandate, WCTV reported.

“With more vaccinations occurring every day, we are all eager to be done with the pandemic, but it’s not yet done with us,” Leon County Commission Chair Rick Minor said. “The new CDC guidance reinforces what we know: outdoor gatherings can be safe, and indoor gatherings can lead to the spread of COVID-19. Right now we need to be vigilant and stay safe, wear our masks in indoor spaces, and follow the guidance of public health experts. Face coverings continue to protect the most vulnerable amongst us as we work to increase vaccinations and defeat this virus.”

Meanwhile, Palm Beach County commissioners debated Tuesday whether its mask mandate, which is in place until at least May 18, is effective, WPTV reported. The county requires people to wear face masks in businesses, government buildings and public places in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Commissioner Melissa McKinlay said she’s frustrated by the county’s inability to enforce the mandate.

"I'm looking at all these pictures (from public events) and nobody is wearing a mask," she said. "If we can't enforce this and we can't abide by it, what purpose are we serving?"

Some Florida counties and cities, including Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties, already relaxed or lifted their policies for wearing face coverings in public.

In the Sarasota, though, commissioners are revisiting the city's mask mandate for the second time since letting it expire in February. There were enough votes at the April 5 city commission meeting to potentially revive the measure. The city attorney is drafting a new mask ordinance, which commissioners will discuss and vote on at an upcoming meeting.

Sarasota commissioners are divided on the matter, though, as Mayor Hagen Brody and Vice Mayor Erik Arroyo question the purpose of a mandate they can’t enforce.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch argued that “it’s a simple task that saves lives," adding that the prior citywide mask mandate, though not enforced by the city, “sent a strong message to our community that we are looking after your health, your safety and your welfare. It's not forever. It is only temporary for the next couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months, hopefully until we get this pandemic and this virus under control."

And in Orange County, Mayor Jerry Demings said the county will tweak its mask mandate to align with CDC guidelines, News 6 reported.

“I believe that the CDC probably made the right call,” he said. “What the CDC has recommended is consistent with what I have received in the way of research.”

Changes in Orange County will likely be made Wednesday, he added.

Earlier this month, Walt Disney World in Orlando slightly tweaked its policy for face coverings, allowing guests to remove their masks when taking an outdoor photo, though only when stationary and maintaining physical distancing. Prior to this, guests could only remove their masks when eating or drinking.

Universal Orlando has also continued to require masks for everyone over the age of 3 aside from when they’re eating or drinking while stationary and when they’re at a designated U-Rest mask removal area.

Neither theme park updated its mask policies after the CDC announced its new recommendations Tuesday.

Demings anticipates the new recommendations will lead to changes at the parks, though.

“There is no question they are going to adjust their protocols for people waiting in lines outside, etcetera and that is something we will see soon,” he said.