ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Florida – St. Lucie County Commissioners voted, 4-1, last night to repeal Ordinance No. 20‐021, which required facial coverings to be worn throughout the county when social distancing isn’t possible. However, the County Administrator’s Emergency Order No. 20-049, regarding COVID-19 safety measures inside county facilities remains in effect.

Facial coverings are still required to be worn inside St. Lucie County facilities, including offices, libraries and attractions, such as the St. Lucie County Aquarium, Regional History Center and Oxbow Eco-Center. Furthermore, employees and visitors will be asked to submit to COVID screening prior to entering county-managed buildings.

Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration still requires all passengers (with the exception of those who have certain medical conditions) on public transit to wear facial covers to slow the spread of COVID-19 while on public buses, trains and ride-shares. This includes all riders on all of the various St. Lucie County Transit options, including fixed routes, paratransit and direct connect.

St. Lucie County officials encourage all residents to continue to follow the COVID safety measures set by the Center for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health, including proper hand washing, social distancing, wearing facial coverings and staying home when sick.

Private businesses and other local, state and federal government agencies have the authority to establish their COVID-19 safety protocols for their employees and visitors.

St. Lucie County officials urge all residents to get the COVID-19 vaccination, which is now available to all Florida residents over the age of 18. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 16 and older. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines are authorized for persons age 18 and older. All individuals under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a guardian and complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form.

For details regarding vaccine locations and other COVID-19 related assistance including funding for small businesses and rental/mortgage help, visit: www.recoverstlucie.org.