The county has seen almost 39,000 COVID-19 cases and five different variants of the virus, according to Jennifer Bencie, a health officer with the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. She said 52% of eligible residents have been vaccinated, including 79% of seniors.
At the suggestion of Commissioner Misty Servia, the county will provide N-95 masks or an equivalent to employees and visitors who wish to wear a mask on county property.
County Chair Vanessa Baugh said COVID-19 restrictions are getting out of hand and that residents should be able to make their own decisions with regard to their health.
"The vaccine is available in many, many, many different areas in our county and other counties,” Baugh said. "The governor has relaxed the state of emergency, and we need to do the same. For heaven's sakes, let's get past this mandatory stuff. This is America, we have the right to make our own decisions."