By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Last week it became official that all residents of Shelby County over the age of 2 are mandated to wear a mask or face covering when in public places.
Back on June 30, the Memphis City Council voted 9-4 to approve an ordinance that would require residents to wear a mask or facial covering in public. Shelby County followed suit the following day.
The reason for the decisions from Memphis and Shelby County has been the rising COVID-19 numbers. Medical experts recored a spike in COVID-19 cases in Memphis and Shelby County.
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said the resurgence of the coronavirus in Southwest Tennessee has led to this measure to help slow down the spread.
Haushalter added future restrictions might be coming soon for bars, restaurants and other facilities.
The COVID-19 testing positive rate for June 21 through 27 was 12.7 percent, up from 10.4 percent the week before.
It’s the sixth week of increases, which began during phase one of the county’s reopening plan.
