Osceola County Promoting Social Distancing as COVID-19 Cases Rise in Florida
Before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a mandatory Stay At Home order for the entire state, Osceola County Commissioners had already voted for an Emergency Declaration that requires county residents to practice social distancing measures and to stay at home.
What Does Osceola County’s Stay At Home Order Do?
The order requires all non-essential retail and commercial businesses to close, and asks residents to remain home and avoid non-essential travel. Residents can go out to shop for groceries, go to a doctor ‘s appointment, provide care for a family member, visit restaurants for takeout orders and go outside to exercise, as long as they’re keeping six feet away from others.
Osceola County also closed all government offices to the public and began communicating with residents online or by phone, and closed schools, transitioning students to distance learning. However, the county also chose select locations to continue providing meals to students 18 years old and younger.
On April 1, 2020, Osceola County also saw its largest daily jump in COVID-19 cases, with 30 new cases for a total of 140. Forty-three of those residents have been hospitalized, while there has been one death in the county, a 58-year-old man.
To learn more about Osceola County’s orders, visit osceola.org/covid19 for updates.
How is Kissimmee Responding to the Pandemic?
The City of Kissimmee is trying to assist low-income residents by offering $1,200 for housing assistance or one month of rent, whichever is lower. Households can qualify if the applicants are city residents, have a household income less than 80% of the average median income, and can document a loss of income due to COVID-19, such as a job loss or increased health care costs. Households with special needs will get top preference for the program.
Once the city’s allocated funds have been used up, residents who meet the eligibility criteria can add their names to a list in the event future funds become available. Residents can apply online by visiting the Foreclosure Prevention and Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention Program at www.kissimmee.org or contact Osceola Council on Aging at 407-933-9530.
When Did The Stay At Home Order Go Into Effect?
Osceola County’s Stay At Home order went into effect on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
When Will The Order Be Lifted?
Osceola County commissioners had planned to revisit the order on April 6, 2020, although all Florida residents are now under a mandatory Stay At Home order issued on April 1, 2020 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and it won’t be lifted until April 30, 2020.
What are the violations and penalties associated with the order?
Those who violate the orders can face a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
What kind of order is it?
Osceola County issued a mandatory Stay At Home order.
What are essential businesses?
Businesses not considered essential are most retail and entertainment businesses (movie theaters, bowling alleys), clothing stores, and shopping malls. All others can be considered essential.
Get a Criminal Defense Consultation with the Umansky Law Firm
If you’re facing criminal charges in Osceola County, now is the time to contact the attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Florida’s court system is on hold until the virus has slowed down, so now is the time to work on your legal defense. Many of the criminal defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm have served as former prosecutors and know the strategies that Florida state and local government utilizes in criminal court. With this knowledge, they develop a strong defense for you.
With more than 100 years of combined experience, our criminal attorneys fight aggressively for your freedom. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to answer all of your questions regarding your criminal case or complete our online contact form.