MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — You could be required to wear a mask at indoor businesses in Manatee County starting as soon as early next week.
What You Need To Know
- County's public safety director said all 3 county hospitals at capacity
- Commissioners will vote on mandate at Monday meeting
- More Manatee County headlines
- More Coronavirus headlines
Manatee County commissioners voted 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon to consider adopting a mask mandate, similar to the one instated in Leon County.
According to Public Safety Director Jacob Saur, all three Manatee County hospitals have reached capacity. On Tuesday, he reported 134 COVID-19 hospitalizations with only 13 hospital beds and one ICU bed available countywide. The positivity rate for cases in Manatee County remains at 10.2%, Saur confirmed.
The spike in hospitalizations and uptick in cases caused commissioners to reconsider the mask mandate.
“Our businesses in the community are asking for this also because it helps them when customers come in and refuse to wear a mask,” said commissioner Carol Whitmore.
Some commissioners also referenced a letter sent on behalf of more than 100 doctors from the Manatee County Medical Society that explained how a mask mandate could help, as another factor for reconsidering.
Manatee County commissioners will vote on the mandate during a special meeting set for Monday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Residents who wish to speak on the issue are invited to do so.
