Mask up.
Get vaxxed.
Holmes Beach officials are trying to fight back against the coronavirus pandemic in any possible way.
That is, without defying Gov. Ron DeSantis’ May 3 executive order restricting local COVID-19 emergency orders, such as face mask mandates.
City commissioners voted 4-0 Aug. 24 to approve a resolution encouraging people to use face masks in public and inside businesses, as well as urging people to get vaccinated to limit the spread of the virus.
Commissioner Kim Rash was absent with excuse.
The decision came two weeks after the city reimplemented a mask requirement inside city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, regardless of vaccination status.
The resolution urges people to wear face coverings in indoor locations open to the public, as well as outdoor spaces where social distancing from others cannot be maintained.
The document urges city businesses to encourage the use of masks inside their establishments and implement safety measures to mitigate the virus’ spread.
It also encourages people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus and to discuss their issues and any concerns with a health care provider.
The resolution does not act as a mandate, allowing businesses to enforce their own policies.
However, it does provide backing for police to trespass noncompliant patrons from businesses that wish to require people to wear masks inside.
Commissioners took turns expressing support for the resolution and touting the benefits of mask usage and vaccination.
“I know there’s a lot of division about this. …So, I’m glad to see that, as a commission, we’re unified in this,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said.
As for city hall’s mask requirement, Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Aug. 26 there had been no issues seeking compliance from staff and visitors.
“People have taken it seriously,” Titsworth said. “We all have a comfort zone knowing that everyone is taking it seriously.”
There was no public comment.
By the numbers…
The city’s messaging might be needed to increase the number of vaccinated people in the area.
Some 11,219,987 Floridians or 52.2% of the state’s total population were fully vaccinated as of Aug. 27, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The total percentage can be misleading, however, since it includes children younger than 12 who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.
Among Florida residents ages 12 and older, 60% were vaccinated as of Aug. 27, according to the CDC.
Manatee County trails behind the state average with 55.3% of its population vaccinated.
The county also recorded 3,339 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 during the week of Aug. 20-26.
The figure marks the 10th highest number of new cases recorded among the state’s 67 counties over the week, despite having the 15th largest population.
Vaccinations
Holmes Beach will host its sixth free vaccination event 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at city hall.
All three vaccines will be available for anyone eligible, no appointment and no payment is required.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, who has helped coordinate the events, told commissioners the city would continue to hold the vaccination events every month until people stop coming.
“If you are not yet vaccinated, please, come and get vaccinated,” Tokajer wrote in an Aug. 25 email announcing the event. “If not for you, then for everyone else you care about or come in contact with.”
To learn more about vaccination against the coronavirus, go to mymanatee.org.