Pinellas County Extends Coronavirus State Of Local Emergency Through Oct. 30

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — On Tuesday, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners voted to extend the State of Local Emergency for the coronavirus through Oct. 30. The extension keeps in effect a County ordinance requiring face coverings within public places and restaurants and bars to serve only patrons who are seated.

Public health officials are closely monitoring the continued increase in the seven-day rolling averages for new coronavirus cases and percentage of positive tests.

“We must all do our part out here as residents,” said Florida Department of Health in Pinellas Director Dr. Ulyee Choe. “Given the increase in cases, now is not the time to let up on preventative measures like social distancing and wearing facial coverings.”

In other meeting action, County Administrator Barry A. Burton announced that Pinellas has received a $1.2 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice/ Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant will fund a three-year partnership between Pinellas County’s Human Services and Safety and Emergency Services departments, local law enforcement agencies, the opioid task force and treatment providers. The funds will help the agencies with intervention efforts, expedited access to substance abuse and overdose treatments and peer engagement services.

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