Frequently Asked Questions

Following Governor DeSantis’ executive order, 21-102, Pinellas County announces the following updates effective immediately:

• COVID-19 ordinance requiring face coverings and certain safety protocols at businesses is rescinded.
• The order requiring safety plans requirements for large events is also rescinded.
• May 11 Board of County Commissioners meeting will no longer include State of Local Emergency and public hearing on the ordinance requiring face coverings.

Private businesses and organizations in Pinellas may still require face coverings and/or any other safety protocols as part of their own business operation. Similarly, the Pinellas County School Board is not affected by the governor’s order, and masking and social distancing protocols remain in effect in Pinellas County Schools through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Their update on the issue is here.

Face coverings are still strongly recommended for un-vaccinated people, and for vaccinated people in some circumstances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently updated their guidance, available here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. See more tips from the CDC.

The State of Florida and the Florida Department of Health are distributing vaccines. See our vaccine page for more information.

No, but it is recommended that restaurants and bars continue to follow CDC Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars: 

Recognize Signs and Symptoms

• Conduct daily health checks (e.g., temperature screening and/or or symptom checking) of staff safely and respectfully, and in accordance with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.
• Find examples of screening methods in CDC’s General Business FAQs.
• CDC Communication Resources for Restaurants
• Daily Checklist for Managers of Restaurants
• 5 Safety Steps for Staff
• Assess Your Risk
• More print resources from CDC

Please visit our Testing Info page for the latest information on COVID-19 testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as local health experts, continue to recommend mask wearing as a proven way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Here is the latest information from the CDC on mask wearing: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

Following Governor DeSantis’ executive order, 21-102, Pinellas County rescinded the ordinance requiring face coverings in public places. The Pinellas Board of County Commissioners will no longer need to discuss the issue at public hearings.

Private businesses and organizations in Pinellas may still require face coverings and/or any other safety protocols as part of their own business operation. Similarly, the Pinellas County School Board is not affected by the governor’s order, and masking and social distancing protocols remain in effect in Pinellas County Schools through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Their update on the issue is here.

See the detailed FAQ about face coverings for more information.

Currently, the state of Florida has no travel restrictions in place. Visit the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information on travel restrictions.

The CDC also provides guidance on travel. More information can be found on the CDC’s Travelers page and travel FAQs page. 

State parks reopened on Monday, May 4, 2020.

Most county parks have remained open during the COVID-19 outbreak.  

Places of worship can hold services as long as CDC social distancing guidelines can be maintained. 

The Florida Supreme Court has determined that jury trials may resume in Pinellas County. In response, Sixth Circuit Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino has directed the Pinellas Clerk of Courts to begin reissuing juror summons for trials scheduled to begin on October 26, 2020. Read Clerk Burke’s letter regarding Jury Trials Scheduled to Resume October 26th.

For the best and latest information about Pinellas County court proceedings, visit the Pinellas Clerk’s Office Coronavirus page.

Elective medical procedures resumed on Monday, May 4, 2020. 

Visit the CDC’s website to learn the latest, best information on COVID-19. For statewide information, head to the Florida Department of Health’s website.

Please visit our Get Help page for community resources such as income assistance and food pantries.

• Our leadership is working closely with other county officials from agencies including DOH-Pinellas, law enforcement, fire & EMS and schools.
• Our County staff is supporting the local DOH by coordinating planning, resources and response with our municipal and community partners.  
• Our Emergency Management Department is coordinating multiple work groups to address specific needs within our community.
• Our Planning Team is gathering and analyzing data to help county leadership and elected officials make the best-informed decisions about when and how to help life return to normal around the county.
• Our Logistics Team is collecting, coordinating, and distributing supplies.
• Our Business Team is working with local businesses to provide them with information about recovery plans and opportunities.
• Our Feeding Team is collaborating with area non-profits and the Pinellas County School District to prepare and distribute hundreds of thousands of meals to children and vulnerable residents.
• Our Live Chat Team is fielding hundreds of resident inquiries and requests for help.
• We’ve enhanced our facility sanitation protocols to protect our employees and residents.
• Our Marketing & Communications team is working with our departments and partners to ensure residents and businesses are connected to the resources that they need to stay safe and endure the impacts of the virus on our community. Check out the county’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for daily messages on these and other important topics.

A site has been created at https://egis.pinellas.gov/apps/COVID19/ where you can access our hub of maps and resources, including virus status, food resources, and more. In addition, a Data Dashboard site has been created that provides the best available snapshot of COVID-19 cases and testing in Pinellas County to date, as well as daily healthcare system capacity.

For information on COVID-19 expenditures, please see the COVID-19 Spending Report and Expenditure Summary.