On Monday afternoon, St. Petersburg City Mayor Rick Kriseman announced unprecedented measures in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.
In a declaration posted to Facebook, Kriseman says the City of St. Petersburg will now ban any event consisting of 50 or more people, which is in line with Sunday's recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (However, it's worth mentioning that the federal coronavirus task force on Monday recommended banning events with 10 people or more). The rule is effective immediately.
The capacity limit will impact all local concerts, sporting events, weddings, parades, festivals, and private and public events.
Krisemen pressed that local law enforcement will have the authority to disperse these events. "We will disperse crowds. We ask that you do not force us to do this and waste precious resources,” said Kriseman.
The mayor also instituted a 9 p.m. “last call” for alcohol sales until further notice, and has asked to reduce occupancy by 50% at all local restaurants, bars, cafes, bowling alleys, movie theaters and the Cross-Bay Ferry. Violators could possibly lose their liquor license, suggested Kriseman.
In addition, the City of St. Petersburg has indefinitely closed all public libraries, recreation centers and pools.
City Council meetings have been cancelled until April 9, as well as all board and committee meetings until further notice.
Kriseman also adjusted his work from home policy for city employees, allowing those who are able to work remotely.
This is a developing story and we'll update it as more information is available.
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