Masks will be recommended, not mandated, beginning Saturday in Shelby County.
The Shelby County Health Department issued a new health directive Wednesday afternoon with “greatly reduced mandatory restrictions.” The move has been expected as COVID-19 case numbers have stabilized over the past month, a requirement of lifting the mask mandate outlined in the previous health directive. In mid-April, the county averaged 165 new cases each day. That average is now 135 new cases per day.
“Now that the COVID-19 vaccines are available to the majority of Shelby County’s population, the health department’s role is continued monitoring of COVID-19 cases, contact tracing, and providing recommendations, including that all eligible persons be vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Shelby County Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph. “Although we are moving from requirements to recommendations, a few mandatory requirements will remain in effect, such as cooperating with the health department on case investigations and contact tracing.”
The new directive also:
• Provides guidance on when masks must not be worn, when they must be worn, and when they are highly recommended
• Requires masks for certain employees who work in environments where there is an increased risk of exposure
• Requires businesses, school authorities, and public authorities that require masks to post proper notice signs at frequently used entrances
• Greatly reduces the number of mandatory restrictions in favor of highly recommended guidance
• Allows event planners for large-scale festivals, fairs, parades, sporting events, and community events to seek the department’s technical assistance for their event plans
• Allows schools to seek the department’s technical assistance for their physical locations
“We are pleased to be able to make these modifications to the health directive. We will continue to monitor viral activity and align our health recommendations with guidance from local public health and medical experts,” said Interim Health Director LaSonya Hall. “And we are glad to be able to safely lift some restrictions and return to more normal activities.”
