Mask mandate motion fails in St. Johns County

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County Commissioners heard two motions regarding face masks. The first motion was to mandate masks countywide publicly. The second motion was to direct county employees to wear masks. The first motion, initially proposed by Commissioner Henry Dean, did not make it pass discussion. The second motion failed 3 - 2.

“I will not vote to implement another regulation, even on our own staff, when I heard today there is no need because there is not an overrun at the hospital,” Commissioner Jeb Smith said.

Masks were already required in St. Augustine and Jacksonville for people inside public buildings. Clay County is encouraging people to wear face masks, but not requiring it.

Commissioners did vote to extend the county state of emergency for another week.

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