Manatee County announces masks, other COVID safety protocols are optional at Administration Building
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 19, 2021) – When the County Administration Building reopens for regular business hours on Monday, June 21, face masks will be optional for the public and employees inside the facility.
County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes said an internal examination of the COVID cases among the County's workforce over the past week impacted only people who were not vaccinated. In a message to employees today he said, "Individual employees in the IT Department who were known to be fully vaccinated and who were in close proximity of those who were infected did not contract COVID-19."
Dr. Hopes goes on to say, "I am reaffirming the Board of County Commissioners’ decision and recommendations made at the May 11, 2021 Commission meeting." Hopes says visitors and employees who are not fully vaccinated should practice COVID-19 prevention measures. The County will continue to provide N95 or equivalent masks for unvaccinated visitors and employees who want to use them when in County buildings.
"Visitors and employees who are fully vaccinated may return to work as usual," Dr. Hopes said. "Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged but not required, to follow COVID-19 prevention measures, including use of N95 or equivalent masks, which will be available at each entrance, and social distancing."
During the May 11 County Commission meeting, the Board repealed COVID safety requirements and made strong recommendations that individuals who visit the Administration building or other public facilities should use their best judgment to protect themselves from the spread of germs.
Manatee County will offer another COVID-19 vaccine clinic for employees in the County Administration Building on Friday, June 25 at 10 a.m.