The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through Sept. 4 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. The order also extends the city’s temporary street closure program through September in order to allow additional space for outdoor dining and help restaurants and retailers severely impacted by the pandemic.

Friday’s order also allows the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection board to resume its regular meeting schedule beginning Sept. 17 and permits the Code Compliance Special Magistrate to resume a regular schedule of conducting contested hearings regarding notices of violations issued for red light infractions.

Additionally, 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 face covering is in effect through Oct. 28.