City commission approves mandatory mask emergency order

City commission approves mandatory mask emergency order

July 14, 2020–1:04 a.m.

STAFF REPORTS

The Rome City Commission has approved an emergency order requiring the wearing of face coverings in public places when social distancing is not feasible.

The order is an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

During a joint city/county meeting last week, public health officials and representatives from Floyd, Redmond, and Harbin all stressed the importance of masks.

All persons entering a commercial establishment should wear a face covering.

In addition, all restaurants, retail stores, salons, barbershops, grocery stores, offices and pharmacies should require all employees to wear a face-covering or mask at all times while engaged in face to face interaction.

There are some exceptions for those unable to safely wear a face-covering due to age or underlying health condition.

The vote Monday night was 7-2 with Commissioners Craig McDaniel and Jim Bojo voting “no.”

The provision requiring children 2 and older to wear a mask was struck from the order, which you can read HERE.