UPDATED June 23, 2020 at 9:58 p.m.
In response to rising COVID-19 cases, “All individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible,” with very limited exceptions, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees said in a public health advisory on June 20.
Manatee Beach cafe closed due to COVID-19
The Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach is closed until further notice due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. While employees have been required to wear masks and the café’s management has employed increased cleaning protocols and social distancing for diners, management announced on social media June 22 that the café is voluntarily closed until all employees have been tested, the building has been disinfected and a plan to reopen safely can be implemented.
Everyone over 65 or with high-risk health conditions such as lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, asthma or diabetes, among other conditions, “should limit personal interactions outside of the home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19,” according to the statement.
Measures include wearing a mask, social distancing of at least 6 feet, frequently washing hands for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and frequently cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
The advisory discourages gatherings of more than 50 people and states, “For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and wear a face covering.”
Eight people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, while no cases have been reported in Anna Maria, according to the Florida Department of Health. As of today, Florida had 111,973 reported cases with 3,333 deaths. Manatee County had 2,135 reported cases with 129 deaths.
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