GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt said he will not extend the executive order that requires masks to be worn in public.
Without an extension, the order is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. Holt said he still “strongly” encourages residents to continue wearing masks, even without a mandate in place. He also urged continued social distancing efforts and hand washing.
"The virus is still present so it is imperative that we stay vigilant and continue to use precautions which protects public health and enables our economy and education systems to thrive, ” Holt said in part on Wednesday.
However, masks will still be required for all government and school buildings and facilities. Businesses can also continue requiring face masks for patrons.
Sumner joins other Middle Tennessee counties in allowing mask orders to expire today. Earlier this year, Gov. Bill Lee gave counties the power to issue their own mask mandates until Sept. 30.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
