Face Masks Required Throughout Jefferson County Starting Monday
Beginning Monday at 5 p.m., face masks will be required in most indoor spaces open to the public throughout Jefferson County, including individual municipalities. Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson announced the new ordinance during a press conference Friday, citing concerns about the increase in spread of COVID-19.
In recent weeks, Alabama has recorded record-breaking numbers for new daily coronavirus infections and hospitalizations. Wilson said face coverings have been shown to reduce transmission by as much as 50% and could help save lives.
“From a science standpoint, from a medical decision standpoint, and public health standpoint, it’s an easy decision,” Wilson said.
The order requires everyone over the age of eight to cover their faces while inside places including stores, public transit, and restaurants and bars, except while eating and drinking. The order excludes outdoor spaces except when more than 10 people from different households are gathered and they are unable to maintain a distance of six or more feet. It also excludes places of worship, schools and daycares, though Wilson said he strongly encourages people to take precautions when gathering in these places.
Wilson said for several weeks he and other health officials have been using public media campaigns to encourage the use of face coverings, but they have largely been unsuccessful.
“Frankly, I’ve found that we’re losing the support of the public,” he said. “People are getting careless.”
Wilson said he has been reluctant to issue the order and could be criticized for not acting sooner. He said it’s “unfortunate” and “bewildering” that wearing masks has become a controversial topic.
“I’ve heard a lot of concerns from people about their personal liberty,” Wilson said. “I’ve also heard a lot of concerns from people who do not feel safe going into public places and they feel that their personal liberty has been limited because others are not wearing face coverings to keep them safe.”
Wilson said businesses and places open to the public will be required to post signage about the ordinance. He said the order will continue until further notice.
Wilson said the entire state “is in trouble” and he would like to see a similar statewide requirement to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Jefferson County Order Requiring Face Coverings by Mary Hodgin on Scribd
At least three people dead from a tornado in North Dakota
At least three residents were killed in the Enderlin area by a tornado on Friday night after storms hit North Dakota and Minnesota.
One daughter’s search for a father detained by ICE
Francisco Urizar, 64, was detained by ICE while on his work route delivering tortillas. His daughter Nancy is trying to find out what happened to him.
Star bassist Carol Kaye rejects Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honor
One of the most in-demand session players of the 1960s, Kaye was listed alongside the late record producer Thom Bell and the late pianist Nicky Hopkins as inductees in the Musical Excellence category.
Pilot who died in N.C. plane crash tried to avoid a turtle on airport runway
The pilot of a small plane that crashed near an airport tried to avoid hitting a turtle on the runway, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report. The pilot and a passenger were killed.
Day after day, Palestinians in Gaza risk harrowing journey in desperate search for food
Israel has begun allowing food into Gaza. Most of the supplies go to GHF, which operates food distribution points. A trickle of aid goes to the U.N. and humanitarian groups. Both systems are mired in chaos.
Photos: Why it took courage for these women to pose for the camera
Wearing traditional cosmetic face masks from their homeland of Madagascar, they agreed to be photographed to take a stand.