The executive order for face coverings that was issued by Roane County Executive Ron Woody on Monday could be in effect through December 29 unless Woody and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee extend the order.
Woody announced Monday morning that he was going to invoke the authority to mandate face masks in Roane County as authorized by Lee’s order in July.
The mask mandate does not apply to:
[Read more…]
Face masks are now required in Roane County to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Roane County Executive Ron Woody announced the mask mandate on Monday morning. It is effective immediately.
“I hope this community will take this order without causing more divisions among our citizens,” Woody said. He hopes no law enforcement will be needed.
The west end of Oak Ridge is in Roane County, although most of the city’s residents live in Anderson County.
Roane County’s cases and deaths have risen during the past month, Woody said. Roane County has reported almost four times as many COVID-19 deaths so far this month, 15, than in the previous high month—four in September. The county has reported more new cases so far this month, 717, than in the previous high month—543 in October.
[Read more…]
Kroger stores will require all customers in all stores to wear a face mask starting Wednesday, July 22.
The change is in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, Kroger said.
“We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country,” the company said.
Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kroger said there are three actions that have been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Besides wearing a face covering, they include frequent hand washing and social distancing (generally staying at least six feet away from people outside your home).
[Read more…]
Starbucks started requiring customers to wear face coverings in its stores on Wednesday.
The policy applies to all company-owned café locations in the United States, Starbucks said. The policy is to protect the health and well-being of employees and customers, the company said.
A representative at the Starbucks on Oak Ridge Turnpike, near Main Street Oak Ridge, said the store is company-owned and requiring face coverings. Oak Ridge Today was not able to reach a representative at the other Starbucks, which is inside the Kroger store at Westcott Center, late Wednesday afternoon.
[Read more…]