MANDATORY: Shelby County Residents Must Wear Masks in Public

Every citizen in Shelby County over the age of 12 must wear a face mask in public and in area businesses.

The Shelby County Health Department announced the new edict Friday afternoon after local cases of the China Virus jumped to 11,044 cases.

“We have legal authority to mandate masking,” director Alisha Haushalter said at a press conference.

The announcement came after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order allowing mayors in 89 counties to issue mask requirements.

As many as 400 new cases were reported since Thursday and the health director called that number “significantly disconcerting.”

Haushalter said the department anticipates issuing further restrictions next week that could impact bars and restaurants.

There’s no word on how the policy will be enforced or if businesses or citizens will face any sort of civil or criminal penalty.

Click here to read the Shelby County Health Department’s ordinance.