OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County leaders issued an order that requires those out in public to be covering their face or wearing a mask.
The order requires every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the county to wear a face covering consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines while in a public place.
The order goes into effect Monday at 12:01 a.m.
Leaders said anyone who violates the order will be fined $500 or serve 60 days in jail.
Read: How to make face masks at home
What if you don’t have a medical-grade N95 mask, or any mask at all? Don’t worry -- you can easily make one out of materials such as head scarves and old T-shirts.
The following exceptions were given by the county:
- Anyone under the age of 2
- Persons whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition.
- Persons working in professions where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession.
- Persons exercising while observing social distancing guidelines.
At the Walmart in Kissimmee, some shoppers were already wearing masks and gloves. But soon, wearing a mask won’t be a choice, and shoppers agreed.
“I think it is a good thing for the public,” said resident Vince Torreda.
“It’s a good thing so you won’t get the virus,” said resident Mike Cottrell.
Cities in South Florida in Los Angeles have implemented similar measures.
Read: Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic
To learn how to make a face covering, click here.
To learn more about the order, click here.
Here’s the most important part of the text of the executive order. It describes how the face must be covered, who is exempted from wearing a face covering and the possible penalties for not doing so. pic.twitter.com/saQhz14mKL
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) April 10, 2020
Cox Media Group
