GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt extended his executive order requiring all residents to wear a face mask while in public to lower the spread of COVID-19.
The order took effect on July 7. He has already issued one extension and on Friday, he issued a second one, which will keep the mandate in place until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 29.
"We must continue to do our part to slow the spread of this virus. Health professionals still recommend that wearing face coverings is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and others," said Mayor Holt in a press release. "My purpose is to take steps necessary to protect the health and well-being of our citizens and to preserve our economy."
The order was also amended to address students and teachers returning to school. Local school officials were "strongly encouraged to implement a policy requiring the use of face coverings by students and staff..."
Mayor Holt was able to issue the order thanks to Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order No. 54 giving county mayors the authority to issue local mask requirements. The governor extended that order on Friday.
