For the second time in two weeks, the St. Johns County Commission on Tuesday failed to act on a motion by Commissioner Henry Dean proposing a countywide mask ordinance. Face coverings have been touted by experts as a defense against exposure to COVID-19.
“It’s my strong belief that extreme circumstances call for drastic actions,” Dean said prior to making the motion. He added that he understood the debate surrounding the issue but that he felt an obligation to propose the mandate.
The motion died for lack of a second, as did a near-identical one he made during a June 30 special meeting.
Only three commissioners were present to vote. Commissioners Jeremiah Blocker and Paul Waldron were absent. Media outlets have quoted a Facebook post by Waldron’s daughter saying that the commissioner has been hospitalized with COVID-19.
At the June 30 meeting, Waldron had joined commissioners Jeb Smith and James Johns in opposing a motion by Blocker to impose a face-covering mandate for county employees at county properties. Waldron had expressed concerns over effectiveness of different types of masks, as well as their availability.
Also Tuesday, the board approved a plan to allocate $29.5 million in federal funds dispersed as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES). The vote was 3-0.
In part, the funds will augment grants to assist businesses, individuals and nonprofits. Some of the money will go toward acquiring personal protection equipment and offsetting expenses related to decontamination and disinfectants.
The funding will also pay for expanded testing, enhanced video conferencing capabilities, acquisition and installation of touch-free entrances and restrooms and more.
The board also approved extension of the local state of emergency.
