MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett has signed an executive order requiring business employees to wear masks unless social distancing can be conducted consistently.
The business mask mandate will go into effect July 8 at 12:01 a.m. and end July 15. The order is expected to be extended for at least another week through July 22.
"We do not want to issue another stay at home order. Although some may feel this is encroaching on their freedoms, it is an effort to keep our local businesses open and our residents employed, while doing it in a safe manner,” said Mayor Durrett, "If it takes wearing a mask for all of this to happen, then we should all sacrifice a little for the gain of many. We must all remember - it’s not about me, it’s about we!”
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said he plans to ask Clarskville City Council to consider a resolution in support of the executive order.
Mayor Durrett is also strongly encouraging patrons of those businesses to wear a mask when visiting them.
Montgomery County Health Department Director Joey Smith explained that testing numbers continue to increase which means there are hundreds of tests from people in Montgomery County waiting for results.
COVID-19 data will continue to be reviewed by local leaders and health officials.
