Pinellas County Commissioners Extend Coronavirus State Of Local Emergency Through Sept. 18

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday evening extended its State of Local Emergency declaration for COVID-19 through Sept. 18. The extension keeps in force a County ordinance requiring face coverings and social distancing within public places.

The ordinance will remain in effect until the Board allows the State of Local Emergency to expire – it must be extended every seven days to remain in effect – or repeals it. The ordinance can only be repealed in a public hearing, which must be advertised 10 days in advance. The Board will consider the latest data and expert recommendations at its next meeting Sept. 17 and could decide then whether or not to schedule a public hearing.

Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, and Dr. Angus Jameson, medical director for Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services, cautioned that there remain many uncertainties about the virus and that backing away from precautions could cause a surge in cases. Both concurred with Board members that greater emphasis should be placed on additional preventative measures such as good nutrition, exercise and managing chronic health conditions.

In other action Thursday, the Board adopted the tentative millage rates and budgets for Fiscal Year 2021. The Board will take up final consideration and approval of the millage rates and budget at its Sept. 22 meeting.

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