Lake County Issues Two Emergency Orders To Ensure Health And Safety Of Community Amid COVID-19

Lake County Commission Chairman Leslie Campione today issued two emergency declarations: Protection of persons over 65 or with serious underlying health conditions to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors of Lake County.

“The orders were implemented to protect those who are most vulnerable, prevent the virus from spreading and prevent our healthcare systems from becoming overloaded,” said Campione.

Protection of persons over 65 or with serious underlying health conditions:

1. Residents 65 years of age or those who reside with an individual over 65 are urged to stay home and take such other measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
2. Residents with serious underlying medical conditions that place them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or those who reside with an individual with such a medical condition, are urged to stay at home and take other such measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.  Consistent with CDC guidance, such conditions may include, chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; immunocompromised status, including those in cancer treatment; and severe obesity.
3. Employers are urged to allow employees who are over 65, those that have a serious underlying medical condition that places them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or those who reside with someone in these categories, the ability to work from home if able. Employers are also urged to provide flexibility with leave time to ensure such employees are protected.
4. Employers are urged to allow any employee who can work remotely the ability to do so.

Social Distancing:

Minimum Standards for Businesses: All businesses in Lake County may remain open under the following conditions:

1. All employees and patrons must practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart.
2. Group meetings, including training, must be limited to 10 people or less.
3. Occupancy must be limited to 30% of the maximum allowable capacity under the fire code for non-residential, non-medical, and non-lodging uses.
4. Checkout points and staging areas, including storefronts, must be monitored for social distancing requirements by means of marking floors or similar actions to maintain 6 feet distance between patrons and employees.

Minimum Standards for Individuals: Social gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people and all individuals must stay at least 6 feet away from each other.

The emergency orders will remain in effect throughout the Local State of Emergency.

To sign up for the latest emergency notifications regarding COVID-19, text COVIDUPDATE to 888777 or visitwww.lakecountyfl.gov and follow Emergency Management at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLEmergencyManagement and www.twitter.com/lakeemergency. For the latest information, residents can call the Citizens Information Line at 352-253-9999.