Lee County plans to keep beaches open over the July 4th weekend. However, amid a spike in new COVID-19 infections, Fort Myers Beach and the city of Sanibel have put mandatory mask policies in place, the News Press reports.
The Fort Myers Beach face covering requirement went into effect Thursday, July 2. It requires everyone over the age of six to have access to a face covering while away from their homes and to wear it when social distancing is not possible.
The new rule also means all business operators, employees and patrons are required to wear a face covering while inside a business. Fines for violators could be a maximum of $50 dollars for individuals and a max of $500 dollars for business operators.
The city of Sanibel's mask requirement applies to everyone ages two and up while indoors in public places. City Council members also approved a prohibition on paid beach parking from Friday to Monday.
Meanwhile in Collier County, municipal and county leaders have imposed some beach restrictions, but stopped short of imposing any kind of mandatory mask requirement.