The Shelby County Health Department is tightening its stance on facial coatings, making masking mandatory, officials announced at a press conference on Friday.
“Our transmission continues to increase,” said Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter, noting that additional measures are needed as the positive rate increases.
Under the new directive, masks will be required in public places for anyone over the age of 2.
The announcement comes after two record days of positive COVID-19 testing. The county announced its largest single-day increase early Friday with 442 new positive cases. On Thursday, the Health Department reported 394 cases. Both days the positivity rate was over 12%.
Dr. Bruce Randolph, health officer for the Department of Health, said the number of cases and the positivity rate contributed to the masking mandate. Randolph noted that in mid-May the rate was approximately 4.5%. In recent days, it has increased by up to 15%.
“We want to get ahead of the game,” said Randolph. “We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation similar to Houston (and) Florida, so we are trying to take action now to prevent that from happening.”
Those who need a mask can receive one from the Health Department.
“It is crucial (to wear a mask),” said Randolph. “The only thing we really have to prevent the transmission of this virus is to wear a face covering or a mask to prevent the respiratory drops from going out to another person.”
Randolph expressed concern for those who may have the virus without symptoms and can transmit it.
Previously, the Health Department said it legally did not have the authority to order masks. But Haushalter said the decision to make masking mandatory was an evolving matter and depended on his authority, along with Randolph’s.
Previously, there were questions about the county’s limitations on making masks mandatory. Haushalter said that when Nashville implemented the requirement through its health board, further discussions were held about the Shelby County authority.
“We believe that some steps need to be taken to prevent transmission of this virus and to prevent numbers from increasing more than we expected,” Randolph said.
Haushalter said it will reflect the mask’s mandate in Nashville. She said there won’t be a specific app, but the policy can be updated to add them at a later date.
Haushalter added that more restrictions are likely to be issued next week due to an expected increase in positive cases after the July 4 festivities. He noted that places of emphasis will include those where people cannot safely wear a mask.
“We will take a closer look at bars and the role they play in transmission and our transmission rate, as well as in restaurants and some other facilities,” said Haushalter.
Randolph said the measures will help “encourage separation” and discourage meetings where the virus could spread.
“Configurations where it is very difficult to maintain six feet of clearance,” Randolph said of future restrictions. “Situations where people tend not to wear facial masks or covers, where people scream, sing, scream, speak loudly, etc., we find that some other steps need to be taken to try to prevent transmission of this virus and trying to keep our numbers increasing more than we anticipate them to do. ”
Editor’s Note: The Shelby County Health Department said that during Friday noon, informational masks were required for those 12 and older. On Friday afternoon, the Health Department clarified the directive that masks are required for anyone over the age of 2.
