The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is taking precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 based on recommendations from health officials.

 

On March 9, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency, designating the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) as the lead state agency to coordinate an emergency response. Governor DeSantis has also urged local governments and private organizations to shut down large public events at the recommendation of state health officials.

 

As of 1:00 p.m. today, members of the Sarasota County Fair Board have determined that the Sarasota County Fair, from March 13 to March 22, will proceed as scheduled. Based on this decision, and following the recommendation of the governor, Sheriff Tom Knight has elected to withdraw agency personnel assigned to work at the event.

 

The sheriff’s office has monitored all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bulletins and protocols.  In addition, agency leadership has participated in eleven conference calls with other elected officials and emergency management personnel to coordinate efforts related to COVID-19. The sheriff’s office Health and Safety Compliance unit has also been monitoring COVID-19 cases statewide since early March and providing regularly updated information to personnel. In addition, pursuant to the most recent CDC bulletin, sheriff’s office employees who have traveled to the affected areas are requested to remain at home for 14 days.

 

Citizens are encouraged to be diligent in following the bulletins and protocols put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which can be viewed at www.cdc.gov.