Emergency Executive Proclamation: Face masks required in Jacksonville

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In a virtual news conference, the City of Jacksonville announced a face mask requirement that will go into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, June 29. People will be mandated to wear a mask while in public and indoor locations and when social distancing isn’t possible.

Jacksonville is the last major Florida city to implement a mask policy and the second city in Northeast Florida to enforce a face-covering requirement. On Friday, St. Augustine implemented a mask policy that went into effect over the weekend.

Action News Jax asked the City for a statement from Mayor Lenny Curry on why he changed his mind.

The City and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office have not elaborated on if or how this would be enforced only that no fines will be given.

Full Emergency Executive Proclamation:

The Duval County Democrats released this statement about the mandatory masks in Jacksonville:

“DUVAL COUNTY DEMOCRATS WELCOME MANDATORY MASK ORDER FOR JACKSONVILLE

JACKSONVILLE, FL — With more than 2,572 new cases of the novel coronavirus reported in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has issued a county-wide face mask order.”I’m glad the Mayor took our advice and the advice of the majority of people in Jacksonville to keep us safe”, said Duval Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry, “Now, as the RNC brings an influx of people here, there is even more to do.”Henry, with the full support of the executive committee, sent a letter to the Mayor last week urging him to issue a mask wearing order. State Representative Tracie Davis (D-13), who has also been opposed to the Republican National Convention being held in Jacksonville this summer applauded the decision. “We are living in unprecedented times. It takes all levels of government working across party lines to keep people safe and healthy”, said Davis.”

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