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Escambia Commissioners Receive Three Face Mask Mandate Options. One Is All Talk; One Carries Criminal Penalties.
July 29, 2020
Three mask mandate options have been drafted for consideration by the Escambia County Commission at their next regular meeting on August 6.
One is no more than a strong request with no penalties. Violators of one can received a noncriminal citation, while violating one option would be a second degree misdemeanor criminal offense.
The options were drafted by County Attorney Alison Rogers for the commission.
“What you have here are three different concepts,” Rogers said in her email as she provided the following options:
- An emergency order requiring individuals to wear masks pursuant to your state of local emergency. This takes three votes and a violation of an emergency order is a second degree misdemeanor per state law.
- A resolution strongly encouraging the use of masks. This takes three votes and has no penalty for failure to comply.
- An emergency ordinance requiring businesses to post mask wearing requirements and individuals in businesses to wear masks. It provides for noncriminal citations for enforcement. An emergency ordinance requires four (4) votes. The same ordinance could be advertised and scheduled for public hearing at a later meeting and would only require three (3) votes.
The commission can vote to approve any variation of the three options, and they also have the option of doing nothing.
Comments
122 Responses to “Escambia Commissioners Receive Three Face Mask Mandate Options. One Is All Talk; One Carries Criminal Penalties.”
I seen on a post in the comments that there is a meeting this Thursday to make mask mandatory and talking about fining people . I myself can not wear a mask due to my allergies and sinusitis. A mask will raise my blood pressure to stroke level and lower my oxygen. I could die from being forced to wear a mask . Not all people can wear mask. This is going to far with this mask stuff . Some stores are even turning people away from buying food at certain stores if you don’t wear a mask . If all stores do this how are people like me suppose to survive and eat and feed my family ?
Leave it to the owners of the store, post a sign. No need for a county mandate. So Pensacola has mandated mask, ya’ll notice the homeless do not comply? So what is up with that? We only fine those who can pay it?
James and Ed are NOT the voice of reason!
Maybe try reading David’s post, it’s right below…
Come November when we vote Trump out and he’s not our President the truth will start to come out.. Sad to see how many people are brainwashed.
Way to go David for always spreading the TRUTH.
I can see where each side is passionate about where they stand on mask or no mask.. I personally feel that liberties are being taken by mandating . I wear mask but do not blame anyone that don’t, for anything.. I know they have pulled the #s.. I know that there have been an astronomical amount of faulse positives, which I feel may not be accidental.. Every death or the vast majority of all deaths are going on record as covid.. When is the last time u heard someone died of heart attack or cancer.. personally, Not in MONTHS.. I found it a wake up call when a dude died in a car crash and the family later found it had been written as covid.. I’m not saying it’s not out there. I’m saying this PLANdemic is being used as a last ditch effort to try to sway Trump supporters as it is election year.. We better all pray Biden don’t get in , or we r headed strait to hell in a hand basket.. TRUMP CAN NOT BE BOUGHT. And is not worried about being ” politically correct”.. He does not care what folks think about him. He is doing what is best and right for our country.. He has been more than patient and tollerant of the rioting and BLM “peaceful protesting”, which personally think should have been dealt with. But he has done all he can to tolerate such nonsense.. All those protest gatherings happened during this social distancing and mask wearing time.. There was NONE OF THAT!! But it was ok for them? I’m all about freedom. I fear they are tryna take some of that. Give them an inch and they will take a mile.. PRAY FOR TRUMP AND PUT GOD BACK IN CHARGE.
Put prayer back in public and go to church. U may learn something.. Like how to live , love and NOT JUDGE..
REGARDING:
“Russia-Gate, Ukraine-Gate, now Mask-Gate…I will never wear a mask, or vote for”
“Russia-Gate” Russia did in fact interfere in our 2016 election by putting out fake messages claiming to be Americans. They also tried to break into our vote tallying machines. Candidate Trump requested direct help and announced he was about to get new dirt on Candidate Clinton but Putin failed him or betrayed him. President Trump blocked the investigation because he was worried it would hurt him.
“Ukraine-Gate” President Trump held up defense aid authorized by Congress to Ukraine against further attacks by Russia to force them to do him personal political favors. He was impeached for this but acquitted by Republicans despite the evidence and testimony.
“Mask-Gate” Masks are recommended for those going out in public due to the risk of unknowingly infecting and killing or otherwise hurting others.
“I will never wear a mask” Good. Defy President Trump.
“or vote for anyone who decides to mandate” Quite possible.
Russia-Gate, Ukraine-Gate, now Mask-Gate…I will never wear a mask, or vote for anyone who decides to mandate. If you think our stretched thin local law enforcement has time to deal with enforcing masks, you are completely out of touch with reality.
“If we Lose Freedom Here, There Is No Place To Escape To. This Is The Last Stand On Earth”
Ronald Reagan
REGARDING:
“Me:… Do you carry a gun to protect me?..Them: well no…Me: why not?”
Because I am such a poor shot you would be in danger I would accidentally shoot YOU or someone you love by accident.
We wouldn’t want that. And surely you know some people you wouldn’t feel safe being around you loved ones while carrying loaded and cocked guns.
Now consider the absolute fact that you might be randomly firing SARS-CoV-2 at others as if the virus was bullets. I assume YOU don’t want to kill by accident. What is more, a mask, even an imperfect one, is a partial shield against SARS-CoV-2 bullets fired at you. Remember that while they might not harm YOU, they might effectively ricochet off of you and hurt someone you actually do care care about, even though you obviously don’t care about most or consider them to be at risk — even though 156,752 (and counting) have died of it so far here in America, 1,462 of them yesterday.
This should be obvious.
David for only pointing a gun at those you intend to kill
@Ed – Your comparison isn’t valid. Go into surgery and tell the doctors and nurses to skip the masks, that you’re armed. No wonder some states cant get this right.
The vast majority of people in town wear masks. The non-mask wearers must not get out much, or there’s not many of them. Common sense tells us that wearing masks slows the spread. Experts tell us that masks slow the spread. All my doctors, in casual conversation, say masks slow the spread. As a matter of fact, the only ones saying they don’t need to wear masks are not really the people I’d listen to for anything. When you say you don’t need to wear a mask, others are quietly thinking to themselves that the sun rises and sets on you and aren’t you so special. Don’t kid yourselves non-mask wearers, the rest of us have your number. We know what you’re really all about when you boldly walk into a store full of mask wearers and prance around unmasked. You’re making a spectacle of your own self, like it or not. No ordinance is really going to change any of that, so Escambia County Commissioners just let things be and no more rules and regulations please. We know what to do, and we are complying. No more laws, mask-less prancers won’t comply anyway.
It’s pretty selfish of all you mask shamers for wanting people who don’t wear a mask to be find and thrown in jail just to protect your skin.
The only time that I will wear a mask would be Dr’s appointments, and just to get in the doors of a business then it will come down. The mask will restrict the flow of air, so therefore anyone with breathing problems can’t wear a mask also someone that is Claustrophobic. So if you want to wear one then do it. But I’m not.
I’m sorry folks it’s really quite simple; it’s elementary. Put a cop outside of each grocery store with the citation book in his hand. Write everyone that doesn’t have a mask on a ticket for $50. You’ll generate so much revenue you won’t have time to harrass normal law biding citizens.
Comparing carrying a gun to not wearing a mask is not the same. If I choose not to carry a gun, I can still provide protection by other means. Feeling that you can only protect someone with a gun makes you a coward.
Wearing a mask protects you from others. It’s a small price to pay to see the virus cases go down. Look at the countries who have done it, and they have hundreds per day (which they consider high) while we have thousands in just Florida alone. Keep not wearing a mask, and I hope they give tickets to people who don’t. All of you who refuse to wear masks because it’s “your right” can all stay together in isolation. Next thing you’ll say it’s your right not to wear pants in public. Keep listening to Trump and DeSantis, they (and you non-mask wearers) are what’s wrong with this state and country.
Democrat here that doesn’t support a mandate for individuals but I would support option #3.
If you don’t want a mask mandate, email or call your district commissioner(s).
How about do nothing. No mask mandate.
Please just wear the darn mask
Can we just take the politics out of all this and just apply the science? Public health is not politics. Read the history of TB and polio and learn that people listened to science.
ed, you confused me with your apples and oranges comparison about protection.
BILL, i am a sheep and proud of it and i wear the mask by choice. i would call you a bull because you are being bullheaded about wearing a mask by choice. the difference between you and i is; i will wear a mask until it is proven to be totally non-effective, you will not wear a mask until it is proven to be effective. why not err on the safe side to begin with and then if you are right we can both take the mask off and no harm done, if i am right you and i have saved lives by wearing a mask. i do not support mandatory mask wearing but i do support common sense. hope you just think about it. best to all stay well and be safe.
“Your liberty to swing your fist ends where my nose begins”
Liberty is the freedom to live your life without government interference only so far that you do not infringe on the safety and security of your neighbors.The CDC, WHO, AAP, and virtually every other medical establishment is in agreement that masks significantly reduce your ability to transmit COVID-19.
Apparently, asking people nicely to act like an American and wear a mask to protect their community hasn’t worked for us. Maybe a fine will be enough to motivate people to behave like adults and stop potentially putting those around them in danger.
There have been proven facts by most of America’s leading scientists and physicians that wearing of some type of face covering does reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. This has been shown in various illustrations since March 2020. The facts are real. It is also a fact that the face covering is not just to protect you, but it reduces the air particles that we breathe out,which protects others around you. It is also a fact that masks made of PROPER materials DO NOT impede your oxygen levels. You may produce a rash from the materials, but if you use good hygiene, even that can be minimized.
With that said, we, as American citizens still have the right to choose whether to wear a mask or not. But as with all rights, when it comes to PUBLIC SAFETY, those rights are curtailed. For example, one cannot yell fire in a theater, because it may lead to injuries. So if you do not want to wear a mask outside, where there is open ventilation, then that’s your choice. However, if you are patronizing a business environment, it is that businesses responsibility to protect their patrons, and therefore each patron should be required to wear a mask for safety of others. If a patron does not want to wear a mask, then they should not be allowed in the establishment.
A criminal mandate is not the way to go. If someone refuses to leave an establishment, because they do not want to follow the established guidelines, there is currently a criminal charge on the books for that, loitering or causing a public disturbance.
I am all for a mask mandate. The reason there needs to be a mask mandate doesn’t need to be explained. Just read the comments already posted by non-medical people.
Medical people are learning about the virus and giving medical advise to minimize spread and symptoms IF you do get the virus.
Why is that not a good idea?
SO JARELD, covid is a political issue and not a viral pandemic? Is that what u are espousing? Since you are so knowledgeable and think it’s political, by all means wear a mask to prevent a Republican from breathing common sense into ur pandemocrat pandemonium utopia.
Responsible officials will be voted out… Vote yes on this, You’re out next election!!
Wearing a mask is the safest way to protect ourselves and others…
Complying with mask mandates will only help to eventually restore a MASKLESS future for all of us.
Look at other countries that CURVED the spread. We never curved the spread; so now we are having to pay the consequences for MONTHS after!
That’s why this isn’t a “2 weeks to curve the spread” anymore. We said F-It and opened back up…
We can do the right thing and get this under control of EVERYONE can do their part…
If this virus which is supposed to be so deadly such a threat why are there not medical waste baskets all over the place for people to discard their one use mask….. And just to clarify medical mask used in hospitals especially operating rooms have a air system that helps the doctors and their mask get changed once they get damp….. Wearing that same kind of mask outside in a environment that is not controlled with air and filters is actually more harmful than not wearing one at all….
I’M A NURSE.IT IS REALLY SAD THAT PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR EVERYONE TO GET A MASK. COVID 19 IS REAL.IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND VERY CONTAGIOUS. THERE IS NO CURE…PLEASE UNDERSTAND THERE IS NO CURE.IF PEOPLE LIVE TO GO HOME.THAT DOESN’T MEAN . THAT THEY ARE CURED .THEY STILL HAVE COVID 19. YES THEY ARE STILL CONTAGIOUS. IT HAS MOVED FROM THERE LUNGS TO A DIFFERENT PART OF THE BODY.REMEMBER PEOPLE THERE IS NO CURE. THIS VIRUS IS A DEADLY INVISIBLE BACTERIA THAT HAS NO CURE.WHAT MORE TO YOU TO UNDERSTAND TO WEAR A MASK. FOR THIS VIRUS TO STOP BEING SPREADING .TO HELP SAVE SOMEONE LIFE..WHY BECAUSE IT MAY BE YOURS. FOR THOSE WHO ASK..WHY WEAR A MASK..GO EDUCATE YOUR SELF. IF THIS DIDN’T SATISFY YOUR ( w h y ).
I’m afraid they are going to push a lot of people to become criminals.
There have been extremely well educated doctors and specialists from across the Nation taking both sides of this issue. The sheep want masks and present tear jerking comments to support their decision to follow the herd. I’m sick and tired of sheep telling me what to do. If you want to wear a mask, then wear a mask if it makes you feel safe. Despite the fact that no one of importance can decide either way. I choose not to wear a mask because it’s my choice. There is no hard evidence that a mask prevents one from catching the virus. It’s just a ” feel good ” move to satisfy people. Our local politicians are bending to fear mongering and their desire to keep their political careers intact. Just as the Mayor bent over to the communists. My life is mine alone not for mask wearing sheep the dictate how I will live it. So, I choose not to wear a mask until actual, hard evidence proves otherwise. BOCC, fine away, but mere opinion from those with agendas is not hard evidence. If you want a lawsuit, okay. Otherwise, to appease the sheep, continue to advise everyone that some think it best to wear a mask but it’s not a requirement. Let those of us who choose not to wear a sheep mask continue to have freedom of choice.
So, if you get arrested for not complying with this, do you then get released as they have released inmates due to COVID?
Seems fitting the government is mandating it as they both work identical (zero).
My only concern is for pregnant women, no study’s have been done on the effect of re-breathing, excelled carbon dioxide, for adults it causes headache and sinus infection, but what about the developing child which receives it oxygen from the mother, I have a grand daughter due in December, and I don’t want her to be a ginny pig for this
If you got your mask on then why you worried about me.
Im not talking to you and not standing with my face to your face I don’t see the problem. With Everything going on and peaple worried about this it’s sad
The ignorance of you non mask wearers is astonishing. But then again not surprised. Maybe there will be less a retarded republicans who don’t believe in science voting this year! If you don’t take precautions, you deserve whatever happens to you.
Ed,
So well put!
To those of you who keep saying, “Is it asking too much to just wear a mask,” the answer is “No, it’s not too much to ASK”. A government MANDATE is definitely too much and there’s a huge difference between a request and a mandate!
I think Ed just put an end to anything anyone can possibly say. Great job and great analogy. Just wait for the but…but…but from the yuppie liberals.
How sad. It is very likely that the greater percentage of people on this string who are crying out against masks will be begging for them in a few weeks.
Because by then most people in Escambia will know not just someone who has died, but who has suffered unspeakable suffering from this virus.
So while every person on this post is clamoring for your commissioner to stand up against masks, you are spitting into the wind and literally endangering the people you hold most dear, without even realizing it.
God help us all if the sitting commissioners do not decide to let go fears of the election and realize that they have a sacred trust to protect the health of citizens up to and including the ones who don’t even realize they need protection.
What a horrible place for them to be in.
Them: I wear a mask to protect you, so you need to wear one to protect me.
Me: that’s so nice of you. Truly! Then if we’re on the topic of protecting each other, that’s why i carry a firearm. To protect YOU if something went down.
Do you carry a gun to protect me?
Them: well no.
Me: why not?
Them: because it’s a gun…i don’t want to.
Me: ahhhh, so then you understand the power of choice, I see, as well as personal freedoms.
Them: Well i don’t want a gun because…
Me: it doesn’t matter. If it could protect ME you should do it… right? And I carry because my own safety is MY responsibility. And I would never expect someone else to keep me safe. Do you see how stupid you sound now?
Not wearing one, period. There is absolutely no proof they have made a difference. Stats concerning positive tests are routinely inaccurate. Police don’t have enough bodies or time to police a mask mandate. And for those of u are incensed because people refuse to wear one, are u not confident yours works?
if wearing a mask works then why is so many people getting covid??????
Make wearing a mask MANDATORY or pay the PENALTY!!!! The Commissioner that vote for Mask Mandatory will get my vote. It shows you care for your Escambia County residents. The one’s that don’t want to wear a mask. Your being so selfish. When you kill your spouse, momma, daddy, brother, sister, grandparents,Aunt, uncle,cousin, friend, neighbor, etc., It will be to late. All you had to do was wear a simple mask. I feel sorry for the people around you.
I ask the same with
Niknac50
“STILL, nobody has answered my question. If the masks work, why does your loved one have to die alone in a hospital? If the masks work, why can’t those in nursing homes have visitors? I await answers”.
It used to be that they thought the body shed large amounts of the virus. Also. Couldn’t be embalmed because the blood was contaminated with Covid.
So sad.
So much has changed, but loved ones shouldnt be dying alone nor nursing home patients living in isolation.
I dont have the answers, sure wish someone did.
This is America where we are free to make choices. We let people burn our flag, which infuriates me with no punishment, but we want to punish people for not wearing a mask. If you are wearing one, then you have done your part. Let others choose for them selves. I am for freedom of choice. Fight the fights that need fighting.
I’m not wearing a mask. Good luck trying to make me. Mask shaming will not get the result you’re looking for from me. Quarantine the people at risk and leave me the hell alone. All you Karens need to chill out.
Vote no on mask mandate.
I just don’t understand. “Just wear the mask” “Help save others” etc etc etc. Please tell me, how the heck am “I” going to get “you” sick if YOU wear YOUR mask ?
Besides that, more than half the people I see wear the mask inappropriately. Or their wearing the thin single use masks that clearly state on the box “will NOT protect you from COVID-19″. Or further, people wearing fishing scarves. No matter, the fearful don’t care, they just want to see you wearing something, anything, to make them feel better whether your really helping or not. These have to be the fools I see driving down the road (by themselves) wearing a mask. (-:
Can someone please educate me on how a mask mandate during a declared emergency is infringing on ones Constitutional rights. What about a curfew during a state of emergency? Please all of those over these last posts, please chime in!
I AGREE @ jerry Wear a mask or GET A FINE. Punishment must be implemented for the selfish anti maskers!!!
To understand why masks are needed everyone needs to understand there are two types of pandemics.
Fast pandemics infect and spread faster than we can heal people in hospitals, causing a shortage of care and in turn large numbers of dead.
To turn it into a slow pandemic where we don’t overwhelm the medical system we all have to help by washing hands and wearing masks. This allows enough time for the infected to heal and new patients to be able to be cared for, minimizing the death toll.
THIS is why it is critical to wear masks. If too many people need hospitalization at the same time than there are beds, that is when more people due and their families then rapidly become infected trying to care for them.
Wear a mask and don’t be selfish!! Wash your hands frequently. Do everything you can to help, just do it. This coming from another nurse for what that is worth. These county commissioners are useless waiting till August 6th to make some sort of decision. What kind of a joke is that? I will remember their lax attitudes come elections. In the meantime, do your part and stop complaining about if it works or not.
I quote cf above “Masks ARE NOT primarily for protecting the wearer, they are to protect the people around the wearer. They catch the exhaled moisture that the virus is carried on.
It should be criminal charges and constitute assault to not wear a mask (similar to knowingly infecting someone with HIV with malicious intent for example). Incorrectly wearing your mask should carry a civil fine to keep these LiBeRTy WaRrIoRs from chinstrapping.”
” We are not playing Monopoly” Wear a mask or go to jail FREE.” AND vote out any commissioner who vote against this safety precaution.
Reading some of the comments on here I feel a lot of the commenters would be happier in Portland or Seattle or some similar blue state area. Here in the deep south , the native citizenry do not like to be “made” to do anything. I am not personally opposed to wearing a mask to get in the building at work or when I go to Walmart but I avoid it when possible. I’ll just stay home more .The mask shamers kind of remind me of the smoker haters that came about in the 80’s & 90’s.
I dont wear a mask, I don’t think it should be mandatory to wear one. If you want to wear one then thats fine, but don’t force it on me.
STILL, nobody has answered my question. If the masks work, why does your loved one have to die alone in a hospital? If the masks work, why can’t those in nursing homes have visitors? I await answers.
Y’all do realize we were told this would only be 2 weeks 5 months ago right? Smdh
It’s only 2 wks. It’s only one entrance. It’s only social distancing,its only a face covering, it’s only a vaccine, it’s only a tiny chip, it’s only a tiny mark.
I have written the Commisioners twice opposing the mandate. Most of the big stores are requiring masks, even in the County. When I go in to one requiring them, I put it on, get what I need….no leisurely shopping, pay and leave removing it immediately. It helps to breathe! Even WHO has come out saying they might be ineffective. Remember all the studies saying eggs, chocolate, coffee, etc. we’re bad for you and then more studies refuting the first studies?
Masks ARE NOT primarily for protecting the wearer, they are to protect the people around the wearer. They catch the exhaled moisture that the virus is carried on.
It should be criminal charges and constitute assault to not wear a mask (similar to knowingly infecting someone with HIV with malicious intent for example). Incorrectly wearing your mask should carry a civil fine to keep these LiBeRTy WaRrIoRs from chinstrapping.
“Medical Reasons” is a lie and has been proven to be so. Anyone who claims that is just being selfish.
Mask should be worn. This coming from an actual medical professional, which I am. ICU RN. There are numerous studies that show…. When worn CORRECTLY, they are effective in reducing the perimeter of droplet spray. This information isn’t coming from Facebook MD’s. It’s coming from actual studies. And yes, there should be some consequences for people’s ignorance or lack of caring at this point. When Escambia county hospitals are down to 2 ICU beds in the entire country, people need to wake up and understand how serious this is. It’s the worst I’ve seen in all my time as a nurse.
If masks don’t work why are doctor’s, nurses, and surgeons required to wear them? Simple proven answer… they work. Every other viral pandemic has implemented a mask mandate, people complied, and the virus was no longer an issue. We are supposed to learn from history and history shows it works! If you were so worried about your “freedoms” then you people would just follow the simple guidelines for the few weeks and we would have already been done with this nonsense
We wouldn’t need a mandate if people would just do the responsible thing. This is only temporary! The state of Florida is setting death records (like today) and all some people can say is they can’t make me. You all are childish and selfish and only worried about your self and not your fellow man!
Public health and safety should be tbe first priority of the commissioners.
Well if that mask of yours works so well you shouldn’t be worried whether I’m wearing one or not..
We need masks and all, but to make us a criminal if we don wear them, that is a big NO. That is completely inappropriate and a violation of the Constitution. Why scar us for life as a criminal?
My work requires I wear a mask so, to keep folks happy, I do. I think this whole virus is blown too far out of proportion. Between the numerous false positive results, the number of alleged cases versus hospitalizations and, the number of cases versus deaths. None of the numbers make sense. Worst of all the media makes it sound like we all (Floridians) have it and, if that’s the case, why wear a mask if we already (theoretically) have it?
Do your research people. Masks are ineffective. Research does not support any masks as being effective. People get too complacent with masks and it’s a false sense of security. Especially since most people don’t wear them correctly. The European countries that have done the best have never mandated masks. Give the people all the information and let them decide.
I have sat back and refrained from making comments for the last several months but I am still trying to figure out who really thinks a politician should be deciding on a course of action for a medical issue. Do you go to your commissioner when you have other medical issues? I know I don’t, so why in the world are people not listening to the medical professionals.
Wasting breath here, but some seem to just have the desire to be ignorant and irresponsible.
There is no credible source that shows masks are ineffective for preventing the spread of the disease. There is peer-reviewed research indicating 78% of survivors have lasting cardiovascular damage. Masks protect others, but you would need some level of humanity to act upon that.
Can someone please tell me what a person should do that has p.t.s.d. . I know some vets who has been waterboard before and for them to cover their face is strait fear. So if you don’t wear one they want to put p.t.s.d. people in jail? Please tell me what they should do?
Do not impose these restrictions on the people of Escambia County! Those who wish to wear a mask can do so if they wish but the facts do not support mandating them for everyone!
No mask should mean a $50.00 ticket. How can you even argue with someone who believes this is all just a big scam to soften us up so when the government tells us to get in the boxcars for the trip to the FEMA reeducation camps, we’ll just go along meekly? There is no basis of shared reality to even begin a conversation.
Please just wear the darn mask so we can get on with life. I hate going anywhere, because so few people are wearing them. If we want our economy come back, wear the mask Please
People are not wearing appropriate masks nor are they wearing the masks appropriately. This is pointless. I will not wear a mask…period. Will not vote for anyone that supports this. Social distancing, cleanliness, and stop touching everything. The only thing the mask is doing is offering a VERY FALSE sense of security. If your mask is working then you are protected from the ones not wearing it, so what does it matter to you? If I get sick, then will go to the hospital as it is my money and insurance, not YOURS. Everybody needs to stay in their own lanes.
Really people. Just wear the darn masks. Heaven forbid that you care enough to help save someone’s life. Who knows, it could be your spouse you are saving. Or your children and grandchildren, or your neighbors.
If u cant wear a mask for health reasons, then stay home. Dont infect us with you. If u dont want to wear a mask, stay hope and dont show ur disrespect for ur fellow neighbor. Dont expect hosp care if ur stubbornness helps u get the virus. If Want to fight for something, how about good health and the right to live without this virus. Here is your chance to not show everyone ur lack of common sense and lack of respect for those around u.
How hard is it to wear a mask? It’s not that big a deal. If people stopped crying about it and just did it we would be over this already.
We need a mask mandate with stiff penalties. Because it is obviously quite apparent that those who reside in Escambia county and throughout Florida do not have enough brain cells to understand on their own why the need to mask up. Maybe having to pay a fine with possible jail time. People will understand better.
Why did it take so long to decide to vote on Mask?? Everyone should be wearing one, there is not any heathland reason not to wear one! Stop making excuses that can save lives! We should all be following all health guidelines. This is not political this is about safety.
All you have to say is you have a medical condition as they are not allowed to ask which condition due to HIPA laws.
Wow. All these doctors, researchers, and epidemiologists telling everyone to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID, but then you have all the ignorant degenerates on social media say that we should resist wearing a mask.
Man, it is so hard to know who we should listen to these days… (smh)
90% of the people I encounter are not even wearing the mask correctly. So at this point I agree it should not be criminalized. People are not being arrested for actual crimes because they do not want COVID to spread in the jails, and they are getting probation or for drug offences being dropped off at local hospital emergency departments. So I will also vote for anyone besides someone who votes for such nonsense. Social distance and wash your hands. Everything you touch in public has been touched by another person and touching handrails and leaning on walls can transfer it to your clothing, then to your car seat and you can bring it into your home. Unless your mask is fitted properly the germs will seep out the sides, so masks are not 100%. Our county commissioners should do some research on their own and stop letting political views and liberal news media or social media make decisions for them.
Give me liberty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why is everyone so against doing something that could help to end this entirely. I don’t know how to motivate people to do something that will help everyone and I suspect the commission is at their wits end trying to figure it out as well. Everyone needs to do the right thing, the good Christian thing, and just wear the masks for a while and it will all be over sooner.
I have medical problems with nose and throat actually need surgery but the mask don’t bother me at but death is permanent.I feel if they’re not hauling a oxygen tank they can stand a mask.
And this is the slippery slope many of us warned about….
“Its just a mask! Put it on and don’t be selfish.” Yeah and now look where we are…
If people would act human and do what is needed to help in this issue, there would be not government involvement in this.
You can spout off all you want on here but the reality is….what is coming will cost.
Society has chosen its path….so has the legal system…they can do it all day long., every day all day long
So people, keep doing what your doing….
I have a medical condition and I shouldn’t wear a mask and if you didn’t know Florida law before all this it’s illegal for a person 17 years old can’t wear a mask In public. It’s a law. So I would like to see the law suits for Florida if they arrested someone for not wearing a mask when there’s another law that says 17 and above can’t. LoL
Everything has to be a law huh.well stores don’t enforce this and half the time cashiers don’t wear them anyway or theirs is down off their face.
The mask have been proven to be useless. Viruses are all over your body and wearing a mask while touching everything in the store does nothing. The people are watching more than ever and how you handle this will show when it’s time to walk to the polls. This is America you can ask someone to wear a mask but I’ll be damned if you make someone.
No one wants to wear a mask but the fact remains its helpful. The United States is the ONLY country that seems to have a problem with doing what is asked of them. Maybe when it hits your home you’ll realize. I’m sure these people won’t ever. Having known people affected by this, I wear mine. IT DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR BREATHING! My mother has COPD and wears hers. Numerous doctors have made videos showing it does not affect your breathing. Stop being petulant children and just try and be helpful. The way this country and state is going we’ll never see the end. These same people that don’t wear probably don’t wash their hands either. Keep spreading it. Be dumb. Ugh!!!
I vote straight up criminal charges emergency mandate with a fine to boot. If there is one thing that’s been proven in this pandemic it’s that the people of Escambia county are the most obstinate, selfish and childish people in the state. This wouldn’t be a problem if people here could get over their own egos long enough to realize that this simple act saves lives and families.
What gives you the right to decide the safety of MY family because you don’t want to comply? This isn’t about you, it’s about all of us trying to protect each other. But we as a county have proven to have so little regard for the people around us that it has come down to needing mandate to save lives instead of showing that we have the capacity to care for our neighbors and other people’s loved ones.
We should collectively be ashamed that it has come to this. The fact that this is being voted on is proof enough that it would be asinine To not have a strict punishment in place. Get over yourselves
I support the mask mandate that carries penalties or at least the one with civil citations I’m sorry but people claiming they can’t breathe in maths are wrong and anti-science because they don’t know a simple thing about how mass works or oxygen deprivation, furthermore to the person who said about hand sanitizer how is hand sanitizer going to help a virus that is spread by water particles from breathing and talking? Masks are the best way to help mitigate the spread of this with combination of hand washing and social distancing. Anyone who votes against them ask mandate is anti-science anti-life and at this point anti-Christian because they would rather put their own slight comfort over the lives of their fellow citizens neighbors friends and family
Obviously we DO need a mask mandate.
Many still refuse to wear their mask… “MeDicaL ReAsoNs”
If have health issues that prevent you from wearing a mask, you should stay at home and order grocery pick up…
Sounds like majority of you wouldn’t do very good on a ventilator if you can’t wear a mask.
Some can not wear. If you will be stupid enough to mandate something that should be personal choice, then your true choice will really be reflected in the next county election.
That being said, you need to allow for medical exceptions.
When has it ever been beneficial to close the barn doors after the horses are out. js
We have a moral responsibility to error on the side of caution. Unless everyone wears a mask this doesn’t get better.
We don’t need mask! If my Commisioner from District one votes for Mandatory mask and makes it a misdemeanor if you don’t wear one, I will not vote for him in the upcoming election. I think that should be left up to the individual. The only way to make a mask effective is to change for a new one every 20 minutes. That means a person would need 24 for an 8 hour work day. If wearing a mask makes you feel better, then please by all means put it on but don’t force the rest of us to live in your fear.
I agree with pd. The government should stay out of it!
Question, why did the commissioner that drafted this did not give us his name?
We are seeing shutdowns didnt work. The moment you open up the virus numbers increase. In order to try to keep a symbolence of normalcy we as citizens need to do whatever we can to help each other get thorough this until we find a means of control. Unless you have other proven solutions we need to follow the only guidelines we have been given. Wash hands, social distance, wear masks. Noone wants to do this, but is it really so much to ask to wear a mask in public? If we find out it really doesnt help what have you lost, an inconvenience for a brief time. If we find out it truly saves lives, even yours or someone you love, and you dont comply, well….
you don’t wear a mask so you can spread the virus more broadly?… did anyone take biology in Pensacola schools?
Option to this should be a personal decision. If mask truly protects then let the people that wear masks protect themselves.
The only 2 ways we can make changes is
1. Calling our commissioners & voicing our opinions.
2. Vote them out when the time comes.
Unfortunately us that live outside the city limits cannot vote out the mayor; but hopefully the residents in the city will do this for us ALL!!!
*Remember to vote every time there is an opportunity. This is your right & your vote does make a difference!
A mask is a small inconvenience to ask to potentially save another citizen from contracting what could be a deadly disease. Social distancing is also a reasonable request but all you need do is go to any public place to see how difficult that is to do in many situations. Unfortunately, some have decided to put their selfish, often politically motivated, beliefs above what is clearly in the common good. My family wears masks anytime we are out in the community it’s just the right thing to do to care for our friends, neighbors, first responders, frontline medical workers, seniors and folks with underlying medical conditions. These things we do that others may live. Sadly, no amount of logic, science, or pleas for kindness and compassion will change the minds of the people who put themselves above their fellow man. Maybe when they or their loved ones contract the virus, and many will, they will reexamine their values and do this one small thing to help limit the spread.
Hello, I have a freind that owns a large company on Nashville. They receive a check for the federal government for 7 million dollars for help. They sent it back. People want less government control. Our Escambia county spent, 250,000 dollars from the care act to advertise, mask up on bill boards. They should have sent that money to St. Judes in Memphis for the children with Cancer. If the county continues to lose money from business not being OPEN. They will eventually have to raise your taxes. Do You want that. Thank you
I vote we spend all this time and money spent on this garbage, to find an actual solution to our problem.
Fear becomes a prison.
Cry babies, big deal you wear a mask out to save a live. Why that would be a problem is well beyond any one with any level of intelligence. Public Health is important, I’ll bet you a million bucks that anyone during the early 1900’s in that pandemic would have been happy to have a mask. It is our responsibility to protect ourselves and others from a disease that can kill you. What are you people STUPID!
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Wear a freaking mask and stp whining for pete sake.
Don’t do any of the above.
To do so will cost my vote and the vote of anyone I can sway against you.
My commissioner-Steve Barry. It is an election year.
I too, will make absolutely sure I will actively and vigorously campaign against any commissioner/commissioners that mandates a mask. Period.
Rasheed Jackson~!
U sew phunnee.
@Retired
That is one of the most logical, reasoned remarks I’ve yet read upon the subject.
Nice work, & Happy Wednesday.
There is a 4th option. None of the above. Most large businesses are already doing #3 without government mandates. The county already does #2 with the media campaign. And #1 does not represent your constituents.
I am glad it is elections we still have here!
We don’t need a mandate mask. Social distancing works the best. Right now no church gatherings,no protesting,no parties,no spectator sports. These are event that attract crowds so we need to say no to anything that includes crowds over 10 to 15 people. This is the best way to stop the spread. We already have already closed bars and limit restaurant seating. Schools need to ensure class rooms are open with social distance in mind hand sanitizer at every desk. Suspend physical education and sports to prevent the spread thru close contact and physical exertion.
Unfortunately there are some of us who can not wear a face mask due to health issues. We are the ones who will suffer the most because of such an order.
Should be the death penalty (voted out of office) for the commissioners who vote to criminalize mandatory mask wearing.
I will were a mask when they start making people pull their pants up. I am more concerned about unprotected flatulence than I am unprotected breathing. If you want me to mask-up then they need to pull up!!
I prefer the 4th option the government to stay out of it
And election time right around the corner. Better be #2
I thought this was already voted on. Isn’t that why the county is spending so much money on a wear your mask campaign. Yes, I wear my mask. No, it shouldn’t be mandated or made into law.
So, this 2nd degree misdemeanor means that the jail will be busting at the seams. I mean really? If you have to have a mask on to go inside a store,then wear a mask,if not,then go to another store.
Voting to get rid of any commissioner that votes for this.