The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through July 31 following a weekly review, as required by the city charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency order was issued Friday by city manager Tom Barwin, in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and city attorney Robert Fournier. It also authorizes all city boards subject to the state’s Sunshine Law to meet by telephone or other technology, as permitted by Gov. Ron DeSantis, as long as the meeting notice states and explains how the public can attend and participate. Friday’s emergency order also issued a temporary permit for mobile cardiac imaging to provide medical services on a doctor’s office property/parking area.

Face coverings continue to be required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in the city limits whenever proper social distancing cannot be maintained in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The temporary regulation, which took effect July 1, will be in place for 60 days. The City has already distributed more than 15,000 complimentary paper and cloth face masks to residents, visitors and businesses, with thousands more available. If you or someone you know needs a free mask, email [email protected].

City buildings are open to the public by appointment only, and City business can be conducted either online or by phone at (941) 263-6000.