To protect the health and safety of the community and position the City to qualify for possible state or federal funds for losses associated with COVID-19, the City of Sarasota has declared a local citywide public health emergency.  All gatherings within the city limits scheduled to occur on or before March 20, 2020 likely to attract more than 250 persons are strongly advised to cancel.  This includes all gatherings managed, permitted or supported by City staff. New special events will not be permitted by the City until further notice. City Manager Tom Barwin, in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch, approved the emergency declaration this morning.  By City Charter, an emergency declaration must be re-evaluated on a week-to-week basis.  The City has been actively monitoring this dynamic ­­situation with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Sarasota County Emergency Management with frequent briefings.  During the past two weeks, the City beefed up cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces, focusing on common touchpoints at City facilities, such as doorknobs, handrails and countertops.  Hand sanitizer stations are visible and available.                

The health and well-being of City employees is an utmost concern.  Work-related travel has been suspended. A temporary remote work policy has been implemented allowing employees to request to telework, with requests reviewed on a case-by-case basis and duties performed.  Appropriate additional paid sick leave is being granted for eligible employees who provide information that they or a dependent has been diagnosed with influenza or COVID-19.  There are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the City’s employee base.  

A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about COVID-19 is now available through the Department of Health in Sarasota County:  941-861-2873. Subject matter experts are available Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. The most current, official information on COVID-19 in Florida can be found at FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19.  A 24/7 hotline is also available:  1-866-779-6121. For more information contact Jan Thornburg, Senior Communications Manager:  941-263-6369