Walton county has recently seen a large spike in COVID-19 cases. Presumably due to the heavy amount of tourist we get here. There is evidence to support that wearing a face covering will help slow the spread of Coronavirus. If the county wants to keep the beaches open during this extremely busy time, the least we can do is require face masks to protect the public. It is a disservice to our locals to let all of the tourist come into our town without taking proper precautions for the health and safety of all citizens. If we want to remain open in terms of businesses and beaches, we can do so safely. By slowing the spread of COVID with a mandated mask wearing requirement. Don’t think of this as taking away your rights, but rather a way to protect not only your health and safety, but the economy.

I encourage Walton County Commissioners to immediately introduce and pass an emergency ordinance requiring a protective mask or appropriate face covering for all public buildings and outdoors where social distancing (6 feet) cannot be maintained.

Nearly everyone has accepted and complies with not smoking in public places to protect the health and well being of others. Why not extend the same consideration by wearing a mask to a known and immediate deadly threat? It’s simple to explain and enforce ... anywhere SMOKING is not permitted, masks are required