On July 1, 2020, the City Commission of the City of Palatka adopted a resolution providing for the mandatory indoor use of face coverings in the City of Palatka. This measure was passed in response to the continued and rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) virus in the City of Palatka. The resolution requires all persons working, living, visiting or doing business in the City of Palatka to wear a face covering in any indoor location, other than their home or residence, when they are not maintaining social distancing from another person(s), excluding family members or companions. This face covering resolution does not allow a person to wear a face covering that will conceal their identity in violation of Chapter 876, Florida Statutes. Additionally, all businesses are encouraged to prohibit entry into their business location of any person who is not wearing a face covering subject to the following exceptions:
- Persons under the age of two (2) years old
- Persons observing social distancing in accordance with the CDC guidelines
- Persons who would suffer impairment due to an existing health conditions
- Persons working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other persons
- Persons working in a business or profession who maintain social distancing from another person
- Persons working in a business or profession where wearing a face covering would prevent them from performing the duties of the business or the profession
- Persons exercising, while maintaining social distancing
- Persons eating or drinking
- Public safety, fire and other life safety and health care professionals
- When a person who is hearing impaired needs to see the mouth of someone wearing a face covering in order to communicate
- Persons engaged in outdoor activities permitted under City, County, or State order, but face coverings should be readily available when coming within six (6) feet of an individual not a part of a person’s immediate family or cohabitating living unit
- Persons working for any other political subdivision (school board, County, etc.) shall be governed by their respective agencies’ personal protective equipment requirements in their governmental facilities
- Infants and children in day care centers who will not understand the need for social distancing or the wearing of face coverings. All adults employed in any capacity in day centers shall wear face coverings at all times, unless one of the other exceptions above may be applicable, i.e. eating or drinking, etc.
This resolution is effective beginning July 2, 2020.