By Jill Fox
With a statewide surge in positive cases of Covid-19, one by one, surrounding cities are reverting to mask-wearing mandates.
In late July, Coral Springs became one of the first cities to jump back to Covid protocols, followed by the cities of Tamarac and Margate, where residents and visitors must wear masks upon entering indoor city facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
However, in Parkland, residents and visitors inside city buildings are strongly encouraged to wear a mask – not required. City employees, on the other hand, are required to wear them.
“One of the things that separate Parkland from other cities is our vaccination rates,” said Mayor Rich Walker.
As of July 20, 90 percent of residents living in the 33076 zip code had been vaccinated. In 33067, which includes parts of Parkland and Coconut Creek, 70 percent have received their vaccinations.
“You can’t get much better than that,” Walker said. “Our residents have done a great job.”
In addition, all city parks have resumed normal pre-Covid operations. Adherence to physical distancing guidelines is required at all times for all activities in all parks, and facial coverings are encouraged when and where practical.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings as a protective measure in addition to social distancing.
Whether or not the mask mandates will change, Walker said it’s an operational decision, not that of the commission.
Florida reported 16,038 new cases on Tuesday, and the state continues to lead the U.S. in new, confirmed Covid infections.
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