Lake County issues two emergency orders to ensure safety of community

Lake County Commission Chairwoman Leslie Campione on March 30 issued two emergency declarations: Protection of people over 65 or with serious underlying health conditions to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19, and social distancing requirements to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors of Lake County, according to a news release.

“The orders were implemented to protect those who are most vulnerable, prevent the virus from spreading and prevent our healthcare systems from becoming overloaded,” the commissioner says.

Protection of people over 65 or with serious underlying health conditions:

1. Residents 65 years of age, or those who reside with an individual over 65, are urged to stay home and take such measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
2. Residents with serious underlying medical conditions that place them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or those who reside with such an individual are urged to stay home and take other necessary measures to limit their risk of exposure to the virus. Consistent with CDC guidance, such conditions may include chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status including those in cancer treatment and severe obesity.
3. Employers are urged to allow employees who are over 65, those that have a serious underlying medical condition that places them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or those who reside with someone under those categories, the ability to work from home if able. Employers are also urged to provide flexibility with leave time to ensure such employees are protected.
4. Employers are urged to allow any employee who can work remotely the ability to do so.

Social Distancing:

Minimum standards for individuals: Social gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people and all individuals must stay at least 6 feet away from each other. 

The emergency orders will remain in effect throughout the local state of emergency. 

To sign up for the latest emergency notifications regarding COVID-19, text COVIDUPDATE to 888777 or visit lakecountyfl.gov and follow Lake County FL Emergency Management on Facebook or @lakeemergency on Twitter. For latest information residents may call the Citizens Information Line at 352.253.9999.