On July 3, Governor Lee’s Executive Order No. 54 granted county mayors in 89 counties the authority to issue local mask requirements in the event of a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. After consulting with local health professionals and discussions with city and county leaders, I am issuing a county-wide Executive Order requiring the wearing of face masks in public places. We are currently experiencing a public health emergency. We need everyone’s help to slow the trend of rising COVID-19 cases. My purpose is to reduce the rate of infection of this deadly virus.
Over the past couple of weeks, our numbers of confirmed cases have risen dramatically, which is concerning and dangerous. In the last 7 days, June 30th through July 5th, there have been 292 positive cases. This is an average of 41 new cases per day.
Pandemic fatigue is real; our confusion and frustration is real. .. but now is the time to take proactive measures and focus on the health of our family, friends, neighbors and community. Not only has this virus had a detrimental effect on the health and welfare of our citizens but has also been responsible for wrecking our economic welfare.
Now it is up to all of us to be responsible and to take the advice of health professionals. We need to change the current dynamic to slow the spread. Health professionals recommend that wearing face coverings is the most effective way to slow the spread of the virus. If community action is not taken, the spread of this virus will continue to intensify and our daily activities will be impacted. If we don’t take these steps, we may end up where we started with businesses closing which in turn will have a devastating effect on our family and our ability to earn a living. With this Order, I am asking that you wear a mask. This Order will be enforced.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Thank you for keeping your family and our community safe.
God Bless,
Anthony Holt
SUMNER COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDER
DIRECTING THE WEARING OF FACE MASKS IN PUBLIC PLACES
Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 54, I, Anthony Holt, Sumner County Mayor, do hereby issue the following directive related to the wearing of face masks in public places:
Except for the exclusions set forth below, all Sumner County Residents and Visitors, when in public places should wear masks to help prevent the spread of the COVID 19 in accordance with CDC guidance.
Persons, including employees or customers of businesses, are required to wear face coverings or other similar coverings in public settings where being in close proximity to others is anticipated, and particularly where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain at all times.
All law enforcement shall use reasonable care to address willful failure to follow this order. In the event of such failure, civil fines or other necessary action shall be available to law enforcement to enforce this mandate. (Per TCA 58-2-120)
Such face coverings can be created from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost. Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators should be reserved for health care workers and first responders.
Face coverings do not have to be worn:
i. Within one’s residence or automobile, unless transporting others for hire;
ii. By a child twelve (12) years of age or younger;
iii. By someone who has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health-related reason for not wearing a face covering;
iv. By someone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance;
v. While eating or drinking;
vi. While outdoors, unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person’s household;
vii. While working under conditions where appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person’s household is substantially maintained;
viii. In situations in which wearing a face covering poses a safety or security risk;
ix. While in a house of worship unless required by that house of worship, but wearing a face covering in such locations is strongly encouraged; or
x. While in a voting site for the purpose of voting or administering an election, but wearing a face covering in such locations is strongly encouraged.
The intent is for this Executive Order to remain in effect until 12:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time, on August 3, 2020. This Order shall be effective at 12:00 a.m., July 7, 2020 and shall be reissued every seven days; in accordance with State law.
Signed,
Anthony Holt
Sumner County Mayor
Dated this 6th day of July 2020.