Mayor Issues Order: Face Masks Required Inside Businesses Within The City Of Pensacola

June 26, 2020

The City of Pensacola is requiring face coverings at businesses inside the city limits effective today.

Mayor Grover Robinson issued a declaration of state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. Friday requiring face coverings to be worn by employees and patrons inside businesses within City of Pensacola limits.

This order is in response to a rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in the Pensacola area and in accordance with the recent Public Health Advisory issued by the State Surgeon General, along with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. the city said.

“Our top priority in the City of Pensacola is the health and safety of our citizens, and we have to take action to protect our community during these unprecedented times,” Mayor Robinson said. “Wearing a mask is a simple step we can all take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and ultimately help our community and economy recover more quickly. It’s important to remember that you can spread COVID-19 even if you don’t feel sick. Wearing a mask is not a sign of fear or selfishness, but rather a sign of kindness and selflessness since your mask could protect others from getting sick.”

MORE INFO:

What is considered a face covering?

A face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth and that fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. Coverings with materials made of multiple layers is highly encouraged. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand, or the cloth face covering can be improvised from household items.

Exceptions

This order does not apply to:

  • A child under 6 years of age.
  • A person who has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering, including anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance. A person asserting this exception for medical conditions or disabilities is not required to carry or produce documentation verifying the health condition to a business or law enforcement.
  • A person who is communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired who needs to see the mouth of the person speaking to facilitate communication.
  • An individual who is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
  • Public safety, police, fire, and other life safety and health care personnel whose personal protective equipment requirements are governed by their respective agencies.
  • A person in a federal, state, or Escambia County government building.
  • A person exercising while observing at least 6 feet of distancing from other persons.
  • Persons while eating or drinking. It is the intent of this provision that a face covering be worn while traversing a business for ingress and egress, to use the restroom facilities, and while standing when persons are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distancing.
  • Business owners, managers, and employees who are in an area of a business that is not open to customers, patrons, or the public, provided that 6 feet of distance exists between persons. This exception does not apply to employees who are present in the kitchen or other food and beverage preparation area of a business – those persons must wear face coverings.
  • An individual in a lodging establishment who is inside of the lodging unit, including, but not limited to, a hotel room, motel room, vacation rental unit, timeshare unit, or similar unit.

Nothing in this order shall require or allow a person to wear a face covering to conceal the identity of the wearer in violation of Chapter 876, Florida Statutes.

Comments

58 Responses to “Mayor Issues Order: Face Masks Required Inside Businesses Within The City Of Pensacola”

  1. David Huie Green on June 29th, 2020 3:12 pm

    REGARDING:
    “No cure. Droplets everywhere peeps…It’s horrible. Think. No cure. Stay home.”

    Best advice right now — if possible.

    There is hope for the near future, though. A hopeful article in today’s Pensacola News-Journal, page 6A tells about the existing drug Silmitasertib blocking a protein in the human cells the SARS CoV-2 HAS to have to reproduce “and eliminates the new coronavirus.”

    We just have to live long enough to give them time to develop cures.

    David for real hope and those who give it

  2. Nurse Donna on June 29th, 2020 12:35 am

    No cure. Droplets everywhere peeps. What good really is a paper mask. Your adjusting it after touching that door to the store. Your fingers are all over stuff. Now on your face your eyes. Your child’s hand. Droplets. It’s horrible. Think. No cure. Stay home.

  3. David Huie Green on June 28th, 2020 5:43 pm

    REGARDING:
    “Do you actually have a brain between your ears or have you bought all of the bogus info that the media is pumping out.”

    I haven’t actually checked, but I THINK there’s one there. On the other hand, if I don’t, it would be easy for me to be mistaken.

    I’m sure I couldn’t have bought into ALL the media has, bogus or otherwise. There is too much to read, watch, listen to. It wouldn’t be hard to point me toward the REAL, reliable information.

    David for good advice, properly cited

  4. Brent on June 28th, 2020 2:39 pm

    I refuse to wear a mask, and will not support any businesses inside P city limits. Walmart is 2 min down the road, outside of city limits. All fuel, electronics, auto repairs, food, supplies, and everything…

  5. Klondike Kid on June 28th, 2020 9:31 am

    So the mask mania escalates again. So , were the government officials lying then when they said the masks were no good or are they lying now ? I have always heard statistics never lie but only liars use statistics. Also the rudeness of some of the comments posted here are a little surprising.

  6. David Huie Green on June 28th, 2020 5:48 am

    REGARDING:
    “The list can go on and on. Can someone enlighten us?”

    Only because you asked.

    “Why does government focus so much on keeping us all alive that are living”

    Because the Constitution calls for it. 14th Amendment “nor shall any State deprive any person of LIFE, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

    “but yet abortion clinics haven’t closed?”

    Because the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution gives rights at birth but does not say so before birth.Therefore a woman has the right — but is not required — to kill what has no rights since pregnancy does carry the risk of killing the woman. States have not voted to amend the Constitution otherwise and Congress never voted to give citizenship to fetuses.

    “smoking and second hand smoke can cause lung cancer but cigarette sales haven’t been ceased. Too much alcohol can cause drunkenness and people driving impaired can cause an accident even killing another innocent driver or riders but alcohol sales haven’t been ceased.”

    That wasn’t a question but I’ll answer the implied questions.

    Alcohol sales are legal because outlawing them created outlaws rather than people giving up drinking. Driving under the influence, hower, IS illegal because it endangers others.

    Tobacco sales are legal because people want the right to risk their own lives that way. However, smoking in public places IS illegal because it endangers other people. Also, organizations are free to refuse to hire smokers and many do.

    David for honest answers if possible

  7. David Huie Green on June 28th, 2020 5:10 am

    REGARDING:
    “I DO however have an opinion on David Huei Green. You continue to put footers that are not only annoying but seem patronizing.”

    Just seem?

    You gave it your best shot.

    I’m not fond of our leader for reasonable cause. He seems to be a bad man.

    The rest of your guesses are quite a bit off, even the mug idea — too vulgar.

    Nonetheless, you have my permission to not read this or anything else I write.
    (To be clear, THAT was patronizing, even though true.)

    David Huie Green for freedom

  8. @davisville on June 28th, 2020 1:38 am

    Just a few questions I’d like answers to about Covid-19. Why does government focus so much on keeping us all alive that are living but yet abortion clinics haven’t closed? Just think of your best friend and what if he/or she had been killed in an abortion. A known fact that smoking and second hand smoke can cause lung cancer but cigarette sales haven’t been ceased. Too much alcohol can cause drunkenness and people driving impaired can cause an accident even killing another innocent driver or riders but alcohol sales haven’t been ceased. The list can go on and on. Can someone enlighten us? Let us all pray fervently!

  9. AntiDavid on June 27th, 2020 6:28 pm

    I don’t really have an opinion on the situation. I DO however have an opinion on David Huei Green. You continue to put footers that are not only annoying but seem patronizing. I can only imagine the huge smirk underneath the mask you wear in the comfort of your one bedroom loft overlooking Garden street. With Rachel Maddow cackling in the background you pretend she is cheering you on while you sip a homemade chi latte out of a Trump 2020 mug that you wrote “sux” on. The scent of vegan cocoa flaxseed brownies fills the room and “All Things Considered” plays through a single Airpod as you finish you’re latest masterpiece, on Northescambia.com message board.

    AntiDavid for… not David

  10. jordan on June 27th, 2020 5:14 pm

    What is extremely terrible is that we have a president who constantly refuses to help the nation – yet he is tested daily. He has turned his back on this issue and people continue to die. He give false and misleading information and he refuses to admit that there is a problem at all. And sadly people believe him. A co-worker totally believes him and i cannot convince her to look at the information of the doctors

  11. brianh on June 27th, 2020 5:10 pm

    David Huie Green,

    Do you actually have a brain between your ears or have you bought all of the bogus info that the media is pumping out. There is a lot of data about the effectiveness of wearing masks in relation to the spread of COVID. Maybe you should actually stop looking at lamstream media?

  12. Kathy on June 27th, 2020 5:08 pm

    What exactly are the city of Pensacola limits?
    Just came from Walmart in Pensacola (on 29). They have a Pensacola address. Employees are finally wearing masks, but not customers. What’s being done to enforce this? You would think a monopoly like Walmart could afford to hand masks out to customers. Instead they have workers chatting at the entrance door doing nothing. At least Winn Dixie is wiping down customers carts. I’m also not sure why Walmart bothered putting directional tape in the aisles. NO ONE follows them.

  13. MR REALITY on June 27th, 2020 4:56 pm

    I find it funny those refusing to wear one or come in any business that does can forget my money..You people are so uneducated YOU DONT HAVE ANY MONEY….EXPOSED

  14. MR REALITY on June 27th, 2020 4:50 pm

    Susam, So if people like you hate trump you expect us to believe you are copying him AND NOT WEARING A MASK? Really? Clown thinking.

  15. Bidingtime on June 27th, 2020 4:15 pm

    and what happens if you dont wear one?
    Are they arresting the ones who refuse?
    I’ll do my part and wear one but all this is going to do is pi@$ alot of folks off.

  16. William Reynolds on June 27th, 2020 3:44 pm

    >>>I would like to see the hospitalizations broken down to how many on ventilators, how many days hospitalized and reported daily. This should be easy to do.

    You are right. It should be easy to do. But instead it’s impossible. That information is not provided by the hospitals, state, other agencies.

  17. David Huie Green on June 27th, 2020 3:19 pm

    REGARDING:
    “iis not the governments job to make sure we don’t die”

    You can always get off by yourself and kill yourself.
    It is their job to stop us from killing others, though.

    David for better choices

  18. Susan on June 27th, 2020 3:15 pm

    I would like to see the hospitalizations broken down to how many on ventilators, how many days hospitalized and reported daily. This should be easy to do.

    In Floriduh covid will be with us in escalating numbers until a vaccine is available. Mask wearing has been politicized so instead of doing the right thing to care for your neighbor people are emulating the president. Well the election isn’t till November and trump has has staff deep cleaning everything he touches and wearing masks now that staff are coming up positive for covid. Strange how he is silent on the covid this past week….anyways instead of emulating the president wear a mask. An easy move that may help someone in your family in the future.

  19. David Huie Green on June 27th, 2020 3:02 pm

    REGARDING:
    “We have rising positives (many of which have no symptoms and only got tested because they had a friend with Covid.) but declining hospitalization and deaths. What are you all afraid of?”

    1,055 died yesterday. Don’t they count?
    Hospitals are filling up with the sick.
    There is no reason pretending otherwise.
    The positives without symptoms are probably infectious since they are infected, so it is good to find out lest they kill loved ones out of ignorance.

    David for truth

  20. David Huie Green on June 27th, 2020 2:37 pm

    REGARDING:
    “i recall the federal government advising citizens to disregard face masks when covid started out. they said it did NO good. after the public raised a stink about the government not doing anything the feds said, “try face masks.” they are a placebo that’s all”

    They said to only use them if you were infected. Then they realized you could be infected without knowing it.

    The idea is still to not pass it on to the next person in case you are infected but they note it can keep some from becoming infected. Distance is still the best bet. Masks are intended for when distance is impossible. Many make it clear they don’t care if they infect others, some even push for infecting everybody and getting the dying over with, kill them quickly.
    (Those are interesting people.)

    Further, Dr. Faucci pointed out that at first there was a great shortage of any kind of personal protection equipment so what little there was was needed for front line healthcare providers — doctors and nurses and others in hospitals. Now there are more masks available so saving the rest of us is worth trying.

    David for loving your neighbor,
    (no matter how hard sometimes)

  21. Joy on June 27th, 2020 2:26 pm

    What morons! Wear your mask. If not stay home and stop infecting people. Read the newspaper, listen to the news for a change. Stop being the ignorant. As part of the medical profession, I guarantee you, this is not a joke, not part of a political game. This is real. The median age in Florida is now 18-34. Maybe when a few of you lay in a hospital bed, struggling to breathe, in a drug induced coma, you will ALL wish you would have listened. Good luck idiots.

  22. Ginger on June 27th, 2020 2:10 pm

    What people must not have caught at 5he beginning of the corona virus pandemic…wait for it…according to scientists the masks Do Not Stop the Spread!! The only mask that helps by about 95% is the N95 mask. The rest of the face coverings and masks you see on people do Not stop the virus. The media continued to ask the scientists about wearing masks, and the scientists continued to tell the media that masks will not help. They said only social distancing and hand washing will help. They said unless you use the mask properly (i.e not touching the front of it) it won’t help. Then finally after a week of harassment from the media they finally said fine, wear a face covering if it will make you feel better. Also yes I am a conservative but it has nothing to do with what side of the aisle you vote for. Everyone should be concerned with what the government deems their right when it comes to the power they hold.

  23. James on June 27th, 2020 1:14 pm

    If it’s deemed necessary for the public then it should also be necessary for government buildings. Obviously another action being needlessly implemented without logical planning and reasoning.

  24. jordan on June 27th, 2020 10:31 am

    To Annoyed – the death rate is down because we did stay home, wore masks, etc for a long period of time. But, now there are more cases. And people normally don’t die when they first get the virus – they lay in a hospital room suffering for days and weeks at a time. Isolated from the people who love them and then die alone. Just wait sadly the death toll will sharply rise soon.

  25. Robert on June 27th, 2020 9:48 am

    Well, now it seems both sides of the polical spectrum have decided, “It’s my body and i can do whatever I want with it.” This attitude leads to loss of life in both cases.

  26. sam on June 27th, 2020 7:26 am

    i recall the federal government advising citizens to disregard face masks when covid started out. they said it did NO good. after the public raised a stink about the government not doing anything the feds said, “try face masks.” they are a placebo that’s all. a feel good item to say,”look at me, i’m protected.” when they come up with a pill or shot in the arm i will first in line.

  27. Steve Litton on June 27th, 2020 7:08 am

    There are so many exemptions, you practically have to be a lawyer to understand it. No surprise there given the large number of law firms in town.

    Congratulations Mayor. You’ve just given many people another reason to NOT venture into town to spread the wealth. Why would I go there if the rules are so complicated I’m afraid I’ll be charged or (more likely) shamed into leaving?

    If masks masks work, why get mad at people not wearing them? I.e. if you’re wearing yours and it works, it shouldn’t matter if I’m wearing mine.

    Another commenter said people worried about their rights being infringed have no problem telling women what to do with their bodies. I believe most of us want to be free to exercise our God-given rights as long as we don’t infringe on others’ rights.

  28. Bobby C. on June 27th, 2020 12:16 am

    I completely disagree. This is government overreach at it’s finest. If you’re that worried, then stay home. The death rate is still less than the flu. I won’t be going into the city until after the restriction is lifted.

  29. Willis on June 26th, 2020 11:26 pm

    @ Chelleepea

    I have no problem wearing a mask

    But given those 2 options I’ll hug the FLAG.

  30. ???? on June 26th, 2020 11:21 pm

    What ????
    This should be the entire Escambia county not just the city limits.

  31. Not suprised.. on June 26th, 2020 11:14 pm

    I am not suprised that in this conservative state and community that so many are refusing to wear masks because it infringes on their “rights”. But these same people have no problem telling women what to do with their bodies! The hypocrisy of it all is staggering, honestly. Doctors and nurses wear them every day and it does not effect you health negatively in any way. Yes, it’s uncomfortable but GROW UP and put your big boy/girl pants on like you tell everyone else to do. The extreme lack of respect of others around you is only showing your character. The masks don’t necessarily protect you but they protect others. It is extremely frustrating to be protecting others who simply don’t give a crap about my health or the health of my family or patients that I see on a daily basis. It’s sad my family has had to quarantine for MONTHS because people simply won’t wear a mask, stay at home, OR social distance. I go to the store once every two weeks and when I do 90 % of people don’t have masks on and they sure as crap aren’t social distancing. I wear my mask and do my best to stay away because I am high risk and I have elderly patients I take care of. You wonder why cases are up and these orders are being put in place? It’s because of YOU and your lack of respect.

  32. Cantfxstpd on June 26th, 2020 10:44 pm

    Why is it so difficult to just respect others health.
    I guess all’s well sending your children to school.
    You won’t wear a mask, so does that mean all others should bear the consequences?
    No business will miss any money due to a few. We will recover.
    Just something to think about.

  33. Tom on June 26th, 2020 9:50 pm

    Here I am just glad anybody in our local Sphere of influence is taking a stand. To bad it came to this instead of people just you know, wearing masks and all. I mean after all Florida is like the most Covid-19 infested State and people still insist on there rights to infect the elderly and the babies.

  34. KEN on June 26th, 2020 9:27 pm

    COVID-19 IS GOING NO WHERE ANYTIME SOON.A VACCINE MIGHT BE HERE BY NEXT WINTER.COVID-19 HIGHJACKS YOUR HEALTHY CELL.IT BOUNCES AROUND INSIDE THEN SHOOTS OUT THOUSANDS MORE.A PACKMAN TYPE VACCINE WITH WARRIOR INSTINCTS IS WHAT IS TRYING TO BE PRODUCED.IT WILL LIVE IN U AND USE A PACMAN APPROACH TO KEEP COVID-19 OUT OF U.

  35. Freedom on June 26th, 2020 7:51 pm

    Mrs. Robinson must be calling the shots.

  36. Reader on June 26th, 2020 7:38 pm

    This order does not apply to:
    A person in a federal, state, or Escambia County government building.

    go figure….

  37. Jimmy on June 26th, 2020 7:27 pm

    Such a spirit of fear! Hopefully we can get back to normal after Trump’s re-election.

  38. Chelleepea on June 26th, 2020 7:09 pm

    Who knew wearing a mask could be so controversial………….what’s more patriotic – wearing a mask or hugging a flag?

  39. Trisha on June 26th, 2020 5:34 pm

    I have to say that I agree with Big D and J-THE-G on this. You obviously think you are better than everyone else around, even though your not. You are willing to risk being a carrier and infecting your family. So glad I am not related to you.

  40. Well on June 26th, 2020 5:22 pm

    @Bewildered
    Dang right.

  41. Steve on June 26th, 2020 4:32 pm

    The mayor of Pensacola is a liberal loser. Face masks do not work and I will not wear one. If I am required to wear one in your business then you’ve lost my business. All of the sheep can follow along. I shall not.

  42. billw on June 26th, 2020 4:28 pm

    For better or worst finally a definitive answer . After all,what kind of guidance is should wear? Real leadership is must wear.

  43. J-THE-G on June 26th, 2020 4:24 pm

    Anyone who says this is a bad thing should go ahead and just inject themselves with covid and see how it plays out. If your not worried about it then purposefully infect yourself and that might solve some of the issue for others. PS yes im saying that you are in fact an issue to others survival and nobody will value you over themselves.

  44. Big D on June 26th, 2020 3:48 pm

    All of this can be summed up in one word… Respect

    The problem is there are few people who have any of it or they would not pitch such a baby fit over something so simple as a wearing a mask and showing respect for current circumstances. You say you are being asked to give up your freedoms but really you are just selfish and disrespectful.

  45. Annoyed on June 26th, 2020 3:22 pm

    Shouldn’t we be more focused on the fact that the death rate is dramatically declining. People are getting sick but they are not dying in droves. There have been 44 deaths in Escambia County since they began testing in March. Of those 44…33 of them were in Long Term Care Facilities. We should be protecting this people by isolating them. The hysteria has gone too far. I will not be mandated to wear a mask nor will my family. Where does the overreach stop? It is my body and my decision…just as much as it is anyone else decision to wear a mask. Please people be rational and actually look at the data from the get go. We have rising positives (many of which have no symptoms and only got tested because they had a friend with Covid.) but declining hospitalization and deaths. What are you all afraid of?

  46. DK on June 26th, 2020 3:10 pm

    Old Grover has went out and bought some strings Puppet Strings that is.

  47. Jay D on June 26th, 2020 2:31 pm

    if you get the virus and do not exhibit symptoms or get sick good, but if you infect a loved one or friend and they get sick how do you rationalize not taking a few precautions that may have made a difference?

    its your party you can cry if you want when regret walks through the door.

  48. Julie Hart on June 26th, 2020 2:25 pm

    I can tell you why, Ginger. No one can or will social distance. Two weeks ago, I tried to go to a restaurant. People were standing so close together and wouldn’t move, so I left. No one seems to care about anyone but themselves, and it’s sad. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, then do it for others so that they will feel comfortable. Why is showing others that you care such a terrible thing? That is why I don’t get.

  49. Lee on June 26th, 2020 1:37 pm

    To those who feel wearing a mask infringes on your personal rights, I’m assuming if you drive you have a valid license and avoid legal consequences by following traffic rules. If you hunt, you follow laws about what can be hunted when. Same thing with fishing. I’m guessing most of us pay taxes, insurance, etc. All the laws related to those things were implemented because a need to keep people safe was identified. Wearing a mask is for the same reason. If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem

  50. CK on June 26th, 2020 1:36 pm

    I’m up near Atmore, but I’ll make sure to do my future shopping in Pensacola instead of Ensley. People up this way seem to be in denial.

  51. JD on June 26th, 2020 1:31 pm

    The virus has to run its course with everyone. We can cover up til the cows come home but as soon as the govt scales back mask requirements it will rear it’s ugly head again to the ones who haven’t caught it. So the point is no matter how much we self protect it’s still going to be there in waiting for the ones who haven’t caught it. Mask won’t eradicate the problem

  52. BRING IT ON on June 26th, 2020 1:18 pm

    Never lost anything in the city. Grover ought to go ahead and flip like Scarborough did.

  53. Rufus Lowgun on June 26th, 2020 1:14 pm

    I have the same question now as I’ve had since this all started. If doing something as simple as wearing a mask can help save the life of someone’s mom, or dad, or grandpa, or grandma, why wouldn’t you do it? I guess for the same reason so many of you become furious when Gulf Power temporarily raises your rates to repair damage from a hurricane that didn’t specifically hit YOUR house.

  54. TaT on June 26th, 2020 12:56 pm

    Well I guess I’ll stay out of Pensacola…

  55. Thumbs up on June 26th, 2020 12:51 pm

    Thank you, Mayor Robinson, for some spine to stand up to the deniers and politicizers!

    And for those angry about it, then shop in unincorporated areas of the county and take in a DEEP breath and breathe out a big old sigh celebrating your “freedom”.

    An island of reason and science in a desert of cult and myth.

  56. GINGER INGRAM on June 26th, 2020 12:49 pm

    It is ridiculous that we are going backwards instead of forward with this. If we can social distance than why the masks. Yes we have increased in positive corona virus cases but people are not dieing. When more people are being tested then you have to expect an uptick in positive cases. If people are worried about the virus then they can choose to stay home or wear a mask if out in public. It should be an individuals decision if they want to wear a mask, or a businesses decision if one is required. No state, local, or federal agency should have the power to enforce such a rule. This will sound callous, however, it is not the governments job to make sure we don’t die. It is their job to give us the necessary information to make an informed decision. Next thing we will be closing the country for the flu. Maybe get rid of fast food restaurants to prevent obesity..

  57. Jeffrey M Dotson on June 26th, 2020 12:38 pm

    I will not be purchasing any item inside city limits! Keep up the panic, lose your revenue.

  58. Bewildered on June 26th, 2020 12:28 pm

    Can you protest/riot and scream at people without a mask?