Pinellas Board Of County Commissioners Extends State Of Local Emergency Through Aug. 28

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday extended its State of Local Emergency declaration for COVID-19 through Aug. 28 after carefully weighing varied public opinion and considering the latest medical advice.

The extension keeps in force a County ordinance requiring face coverings and social distancing within public places. Pinellas County has seen dramatic decreases in its rolling 7-day averages for new COVID-19 cases and positive test results since the ordinance went into effect on June 23. Board members agreed that with schools reopening and flu season approaching, there should be no changes to the ordinance at this time.

Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, cautioned that there could be spikes in new cases in the fall with cooler temperatures if COVID-19 behaves like other respiratory viruses. Dr. Angus Jameson, medical director of Pinellas County Emergency Services, acknowledged that there are differing opinions and scientific uncertainties about the virus, but said the best medical evidence available supports the wearing of face coverings and social distancing.

This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.