Prepared by: City Attorney’s Office

RESOLUTION NO. 2020-29

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF VENICE, FLORIDA, URGING THE USE OF FACE COVERINGS
WHEN INDOORS AND OUTDOORS WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCING CANNOT BE MET TO
MINIMIZE THE SPREAD OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that can spread rapidly from
person to person and may result in serious illness and death; and

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-52,
declaring a state of emergency for the State of Florida as a result of COVID-19, which has been
subsequently extended; and

WHEREAS, on March 26, 2020, the City of Venice declared a local state of emergency due to
the impacts of COVID-19, which remains in effect; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is spread through airborne transmission; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 can be spread by individuals who are asymptomatic; and

WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recommends
the use of facial coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on June 20, 2020, the Florida Department of Health issued a Public Health Advisory
outlining the need for individuals to wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing
is not possible; and

WHEREAS, the minor inconvenience of wearing a face covering as described herein is greatly
outweighed by the potential public health benefit, and without a healthy community, the City
cannot have a healthy economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VENICE, FLORIDA,
as follows:

SECTION 1. The above Whereas clauses are ratified and confirmed as true and correct.

SECTION 2. The City of Venice emphatically urges every person to wear a face covering in
any indoor location open to the public or any outdoor location where social distancing from
other person(s), excluding household members, cannot be maintained. Face coverings are a
uniform piece of material that securely covers a person’s nose and mouth and remains affixed
in place without the use of one’s hands, whether store-bought or homemade. The City shall
display signage in public places encouraging the use of face coverings.

SECTION 3. Consistent with CDC Guidelines, the City recognizes that there are certain persons
for whom, or situations in which, face covering is impossible, impractical or unnecessary,

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including the following:

a. by young children;
b. by persons for whom face coverings would cause impairment due to an
existing health condition or for any person when contrary to medical advice;
c. by persons working in a business or profession who do not have interactions
with other persons or who do interact but at a safe distance;
d. by persons working in a business or profession where the use of a face
covering would prevent them from performing the duties of the business or
profession;
e. by persons engaging in exercise or sporting activities;
f. by persons eating or drinking;
g. by public safety and health care personnel, following guidelines determined
by their respective business or agency;
h. by persons communicating with a person who is hearing impaired that
requires to see the mouth of someone they are communicating with; and
i. in a manner that would conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act or
other law.

SECTION 4. The City of Venice strongly endorses and strongly encourages all persons to
follow the current face covering and social distancing CDC COVID-19 Guidelines.

SECTION 5. This Resolution shall take effect upon adoption, as provided by law.

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VENICE, FLORIDA, AT A MEETING HELD ON
THE 21ST DAY OF JULY 2020.

___________________________________
Ron Feinsod, Mayor
ATTEST:

_____________________________
Lori Stelzer, MMC, City Clerk

I, Lori Stelzer, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Venice, Florida, a municipal corporation in Sarasota County,
Florida, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full and complete, true and correct copy of a Resolution
duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Venice, Florida, at a meeting thereof duly convened and
held on the 21st day of July 2020, a quorum being present.

WITNESS my hand and official seal of said City this 21st day of July 2020.

___________________________________
Lori Stelzer, MMC, City Clerk
(S E A L)
Approved as to form:

_______________________________
Kelly Fernandez, City Attorney

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