masks

Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive orders wiped away restrictions that cities and counties put in place, but many South Florida businesses say they won’t change policies.

The order now exempts vaccinated people from having to wear a mask outdoors "except in certain crowded settings and venues where there is a decreased ability to maintain physical distance."

Dr. Patricia Emmanuel says once children 12 and older are able to get vaccinated in the coming months, that will be a "game-changer" for how schools proceed with coronavirus prevention measures.

Dr. Scott Rivkees' rescinds previous advisories on COVID-19, including expansion of vaccine access to certain nonresidents and the return of in-person services for government offices.

Orange County’s first phase of lifting its mask mandate begins immediately. Social distancing in public places is now reduced from six feet to three feet.

Browning said masks will continue to be required in Pasco schools, and that the district will reevaluate the decision closer to the fall semester.

But the CDC is urging all people — vaccinated or not — to continue avoiding medium or large gatherings since it's still learning how well the vaccines work to curb the spread of the virus.

Commissioner Richard Corcoran's memo to superintendents lists reasons he wants districts to address mask policies for the 2021-22 school year.

Commissioners say they will hold a vote May 11 after hearing from residents.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told a Tuesday board meeting that once Gov. Ron DeSantis' order declaring a state of emergency expires, mask wearing in schools will be optional.