COVID-19 Information (Updated April 21, 2021)
Where can I fact check information about the vaccine?
Charlotte County has developed a Myths F.A.Q. page that can be accessed at Vaccine FAQ | Charlotte County, FL
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Are masks required in the City of Punta Gorda?
*This ordinance remains in effect until April 30, 2021. Due to Governor DeSantis's Order 2020-244 issued on Sept. 25 fines will not be imposed for violation of the ordinance.
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Face Covering F.A.Q.'s
When should I wear a face covering?
Face Coverings should be worn indoors whenever a physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained.
Will I be fined or penalized if I do not wear a face covering?
In accordance with Governor's Executive Order 20-244, fines and penalties are suspended for non-compliance.
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What measures should businesses take?
Check points, staging areas, queues for the public and other areas to which the public has access should be appropriately monitored for social distancing through floor markings or similar techniques to assist patrons and employees in maintaining six feet of distance from one another.
Can a business require mask use?
Yes, a business may require mask use. If a customer is non-compliant, the business may refuse service or contact the Punta Gorda Police Department to trespass the individual.
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Are restaurant patrons required to wear facial coverings?
When in queue to order or before being seated at a table, masks should be worn. Once seated and appropriately social distanced, patrons should remove the face coverings.
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Are restaurant staff required to wear masks/facial coverings?
Yes, the City of Punta Gorda ordinance requires restaurant staff to wear masks.
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Where can I find information about the face covering resolution in place for Unincorporated Charlotte County?
Charlotte County's Resolution can be found by clicking the following link A resolution directing people in certain public places to wear facial coverings where social distancing is not possible.
*Face coverings are required in the City of Punta Gorda. In response to the public health emergency within the City of Punta Gorda resulting from the spread of COVID-19 face coverings are now required to be worn indoors. Additionally, all persons preparing or serving food or beverages for public consumption shall be required to wear a face covering. There are a few exceptions: (1) Children under the age of two (2) years; (2) Persons observing continuous social distancing; (3) Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition or for whom compliance with the mandatory requirements imposed herein would conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act; (4) Persons communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired who needs to see the mouth of the person speaking to facilitate communication; (5) Persons while working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other persons; (6) Persons while working in a business or profession where use of a face covering would prevent them from performing the duties of the business or profession; (7) Persons exercising, while maintaining social distancing; (8) Persons while eating or drinking, provided they are maintaining social distancing. It is the intent of this provision that a face covering must be worn while traversing an Indoor Public Place for ingress and egress, when walking to and from restroom facilities, and while standing when unable to maintain social distancing; (9) Public safety, fire and other life safety or health care personnel, as their personal protective equipment requirements will be governed by their respective agencies or employers; (10) Persons who are engaged in obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of a face covering is necessary to perform the service; (11) Persons engaged in an activity where some other form of face covering is required pursuant to the regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.