In response to a rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the Pensacola area, the City of Pensacola is implementing new restrictions and guidelines for city-permitted events, along with reinstating certain protocols at city facilities.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as hospitalizations continue to skyrocket in the Pensacola area. During his weekly news conference on Monday, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said there are now 322 current COVID-19 patients in the city’s three major hospitals — the most in one day since the pandemic began.
“Hospital capacity is a tremendous amenity for any community,” said the mayor. “But at this time, we’ve hit a record number, and they’re starting to look at way that it’s going to impact now the service of those who have nothing to do with COVID.”
About the only way everybody is going to get through the pandemic, as has been said many times before, is to get vaccinated.
“If you’re unvaccinated, verbalize what is it that’s keeping you from getting vaccinated; and if you have true fears and concerns, then get with somebody about it,” Robinson said. “But I would tell you — do not be afraid. Because that is the thing that we have to get over as a group as we move forward. We have to have faith in our community; we have to have faith in what we’re doing.”
Effective immediately, the city ends the issue new event permits for indoor events at city venues through Sept. 15. It will then be reevaluated, based on current COVID-19 conditions.
Indoor events that already permitted at City of Pensacola sites between now and Sept. 15 will be allowed to continue at 50% capacity or less.
The restrictions apply to city properties only, and do not cover private events. Officials will work with organizers to reschedule events as needed.
Elsewhere, city employees and the public must wear face coverings while in common areas of City of Pensacola facilities, such as City Hall and community centers – the latter limited to half-capacity until mid-September.
As of Thursday, senior feeding programs at Bayview Senior and Cobb Resource Centers will be drive-thru only.
More information is available at floridahealth.gov for guidance regarding COVID-19 in Pensacola, as well as across the rest of Florida.
