Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
No masks required in government buildings
Palm Beach County drops social distancing restrictions for residents visiting libraries, government center
When you go to check out a book or get a building permit, you won’t be required to wear a mask, have your temperature taken or follow social distancing rules.
The public is free to come and go without restrictions, although employees and contractors must wear masks and have their temperature monitored.
“As far as the public goes, that’s not something — we really can’t — consent is involved and everything, and that’s not something that our current program was prepared to handle,” said Scott Marting, the county’s director of risk management. “I think there’s underlying issues when you start to test members of the public.”
The issue reflects a national debate about how to govern people’s behavior at a time when many people resist. In Palm Beach County, it also comes as public officials are criticized for reopen
ing businesses without meeting all of the federal government’s guidelines for reopening.
From malls to libraries to government buildings, some people insist they have a right to decide for themselves what precautions to take. Allowing that attitude may not be safe, some medical experts say.
“They have a huge obligation to the employees and the patrons of their buildings, and they should require that people maintain physical distance and face coverings,” said Dr. Terry Adirim, the senior associate dean for clinical affairs at Florida Atlantic University’s college of medicine and an expert on public health.
Palm Beach County’s rules will affect libraries, the government center where commission meetings take place and the Vista Center, which houses the county’s planning and zoning department.
Currently all of the tax collectors’ offices require masks and social distancing, according to Palm Beach County Tax Collector, and starting June 1, all transactions at their offices will be by appointment only.
The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office also requires masks for customers.
Under pressure from the public, Palm Beach County allowed businesses to reopen May 11 — before the rest of South Florida — even though coronavirus infections and the percentage of people testing positive had not declined. Beaches started to reopen May 18, more than a week before Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Broward County, unlike Palm Beach County, asks both the public and employees to wear masks inside government buildings. But Broward does not screen employees by taking their temperatures.
“Most County buildings have remained open and we have not planned to implement temperature checks or screenings in that manner, at this time,” Ric Barrick, assistant director of communications for the county, said in an email.
Plans for some public buildings, such as libraries, are still under discussion, officials said. Libraries in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties have been closed since mid-March, although online services are available.
Options could include plexiglass partitions at librarians’ desks and floor markings for social distancing, Adirim said.
“If physical distancing can’t be maintained, then you shouldn’t open that facility,” Adirim said. “The public has an obligation not to go out if they’re sick.”