Lake County Commission Chairwoman Leslie Campione on March 30 issued two emergency declarations: Protection of people over 65 or with serious underlying health conditions to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19, and social distancing requirements to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors of Lake County, according to a news release.

“The orders were implemented to protect those who are most vulnerable, prevent the virus from spreading and prevent our health-care systems from becoming overloaded,” the commissioner says.

Protection of people over 65 or with serious underlying health conditions:

1. Residents 65 years of age, or those who reside with an individual over 65, are urged to stay home and take such measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
2. Residents with serious underlying medical conditions that place them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or those who reside with such an individual are urged to stay home and take other necessary measures to limit their risk of exposure to the virus. Consistent with CDC guidance, such conditions may include chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status including those in cancer treatment and severe obesity.
3. Employers are urged to allow employees who are over 65, those that have a serious underlying medical condition that places them at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or those who reside with someone under those categories, the ability to work from home if able. Employers are also urged to provide flexibility with leave time to ensure such employees are protected.
4. Employers are urged to allow any employee who can work remotely the ability to do so.

Social distancing minimum standards: Social gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people, and all individuals must stay at least 6 feet away from each other. 

The emergency orders will remain in effect throughout the local state of emergency. 

To sign up for the latest emergency notifications regarding COVID-19, text COVIDUPDATE to 888777 or visit lakecountyfl.gov and follow Lake County FL Emergency Management on Facebook or @lakeemergency on Twitter. For the latest information, residents may call the Citizens Information Line at 352.253.9999.

In addition, all Sumter County community buildings will remain closed through May 4, according to a recent news release. The Veteran Service Offices will remain closed for in-person services through May 4 and available to answer questions for veterans and their families at 352.689.4400.

The libraries will remain closed for in-person services until May 4. Customers are encouraged to keep materials at home during this closure until the library reopens. All library fines will be waived for items due through May 4. The library will still be available to answer questions about services via phone at 352.689.4567 and email at reference@sumterlibrary.org.

The following remote library services are available to Sumter County residents:

– Any Sumter County resident who does not have a library card may apply online for a temporary card to access the vast collection of online services. A temporary card will be issued only to residents of Sumter County and will require visiting the library in person once the library branches are reopened.

– The library will provide virtual opportunities and resources for cardholders to learn about online services.

– The library also will be hosting virtual story times for children.

The library will continue to provide the following online services for all cardholders:

– On-Demand Audiobooks through RBDigital.

– On-Demand Music Downloads through Freegal.

– On-Demand Magazines through RBDigital.

– On-Demand eBooks for Kids K-6 through Tumblebooks.

– On-Demand eBooks, movies, TV shows, music through Hoopla.

– On-Demand Indie Authors eBooks through Indie Author Project Select.

– Online Foreign Language Learning Program through Mango Languages.

– Online Self-Publishing Tool through Pressbooks – Online Learning Courses through Universal Class.