Masks could be required through the end of September, unless Shelby County’s Covid-19 situation improves, and employers should require workers to be vaccinated or be regularly tested.
That’s all according to a brand new health directive issued by the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) Friday morning. The new order renews the mask mandate for most indoor spaces issued last week.
The mask order could be renewed at the end of next month, health officials said. It could also be loosened in September if the county reaches a vaccination rate of 70 percent. Friday data show the county is 65.5 percent of the way to that goal of vaccinating 700,000 residents. On average this week, 2,119 people were vaccinated each day. The mandate could also be loosened if hospital capacity falls or cases fall in general.
The new order also “strongly encourages employers to require COVID-19 vaccinations or regular COVID-19 testing for all unvaccinated employees, including those who are asymptomatic.” While it’s only a suggestion, this part of the order is likely to rile those preferring personal liberty over public health.
The final part of Friday’s order just cleans house, defining the difference in a third dose of the vaccine for those with immunocompromised conditions (which is reccomened now) and a booster for those who are fully vaccinated (expected this fall, according to SCHD).
