Indian River County now has a mask mandate for businesses that will go into effect on Monday at 8 a.m.

The new mandate, which only applies to unincorporated areas of the county, is only for employees of businesses that serve the public and not for customers or the general public to wear masks.

Officials in Indian River County held a meeting to discuss the mandatory use of masks in the county as a response to the rise in coronavirus cases in Florida.

Palm Beach County Commissioners passed a mask mandate unanimously in a heated commission meeting on Tuesday.

St. Lucie County is set to hold a vote on July 1 for a mask mandate as well, after the vote was delayed on a Friday meeting.

During the Indian River County meeting, residents were able to have an open discussion with officials over the mask mandate.

Officials continue to encourage residents to wear a face mask in public, particularly indoors and when social distancing is not possible.