RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron released a letter Thursday outlining mask guidelines to county employees. The policy also addresses the general public wearing masks in county office buildings.
According to the policy, all employees who routinely interact with the public are to wear a mask when social distancing is impractical. In addition, employees are required to wear masks in internal common areas, such as break rooms, mail rooms and common hallways and lobbies.
Those who are in isolated offices don't have to wear a mask unless they have a visitor and are unable to properly distance.
Maintenance and facility employees will not be required to wear a mask while working outside, generally; however, if several are working on one project, they are asked to maintain social distancing.
Ketron said guidelines could vary for each department, leaving masking expectations up to department heads in many cases.
The general public will be required to wear masks in county buildings.
"We realize there will be instances when someone does not have a mask readily available," Ketron said. "We will be happy to provide them with one. If someone does not wish to mask due to a medical condition or otherwise, we will offer alternative accommodations to meet their requests."
Ketro also noted that due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines could be adjusted at any time.
"As Rutherford County employees, we should set the standard for such practices and lead by example," Ketron said.
The Rutherford County mask guidelines for employees comes just days after Mayor Ketron asked residents to be #RutherfordResponsible and wear a mask while in public.
