LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto held a press conference to announce he would not be issuing a mask mandate, but rather, continued to encourage the use of masks.
As of June 7, 475 people had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the county. On July 7, just one month later, the number had more than doubled with 975 people who've tested positive for COVID-19.
Within that same time period, deaths from the virus in the county doubled from 8 to 17.
Mayor Hutto and a group of 20 other local leaders met to encourage residents to wear masks.
Governor Lee recently issued an executive order giving county mayors the authority to issue mask mandates.
Hutto said after discussing it with citizens around the county he decided against a mandate, but he did have some words about why it’s important to wear a mask and protect others.
"There is no political answer. We must not divide ourselves," said Hutto. "I say to those who sent the word to me to mandate the masks, we thank you. I trust you will be wearing your mask. We encourage you to encourage others to wear their masks. For those of you ask me to not take away your rights. To make it your own decision, I hear you. We want you to make the choice. We don't want you to wear a mask because someone made you wear a mask or asked you to wear a mask."
In late June, Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto declared a state of emergency and "strongly encouraged" residents to wear masks when out in public. He initially said everyone would be "required" to wear masks when in public but had to change his wording because the governor hadn't yet issued his order giving mayors the authority to do so.
