SPENCER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION NO. 2020-12
WHEREAS, Spencer County has experienced an increase of COVID-19 infections in recent weeks, with case counts triplling over the past several weeks. The alarming growth of cases threatens the gains Spencer County earned in the early fight against the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, if the trajectory of new infections continues to grow at the current rate, there will be devastating effects of COVID-19 on our local economy and society; and
WHEREAS, with schools resuming in August, our community must do more to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Spencer County in order to safely return our students to the classroom. Without adequate community cooperation in place we cannot protect our most vulnerable citizens; and
WHEREAS, as a tourist destination, many visitors come to Spencer County from other areas that may also be hard hit by COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the overwhelming consensus among epidemiologists is the widespread use of a face mask is necessary to prevent more rapid spread of COVID-19, and thereby necessary for the safety and health of citizens, residents, and visitors to Spencer County; and
WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recommends that members of the public, when they need to interact with others outside the home, especially in indoor settings, should cover the mouth and nose to prevent inadvertently spreading COVID-19;
WHEREAS, the time for voluntary measures is quickly closing unless our community can stem the rate of COVID-19 spread. Without responsible commitment from the public, more drastic measures, including renewed stay-at-home orders or a mask mandate, will be considered to contain the dangerous spread of the pandemic, causing more economic and societal hardship; and
WHEREAS, the Spencer County Health Department, through County Health Officer Dr. Stanley Tretter, declares this action vital to public health and well-being.
NOW, THEREFORE, effective immediately, and remaining effective until expiration or termination of the Governor’s declaration of public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic, a face mask in public is strongly recommended. All individuals are encouraged to wear a face covering when they need to interact with others outside the home, especially in indoor settings. A face mask should cover the mouth and nose to prevent inadvertently spreading COVID-19. Exceptions to these recommendations are set forth on “Exhibit A”.
Dated this 21st day of July, 2020.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF THE COUNTY OF SPENCER:
Jim Seiler
Thomas A. Logsdon
Thomas Brown
Attest:
Heidi Greene
Spencer County Auditor
Exhibit A
This recommendation does not apply to individuals who:
Are unable to wear a face covering for a physical, medical, or health-related reason, including those who are hearing or speaking impaired and for whom a face covering is an obstacle to communication;
• Are alone in a room in a public building
• Are located at a work station or desk six feet or more from another person;
• Have a job for which wearing a mask presents a safety risk;
• Are incarcerated;
• Are seated at a restaurant, bar, or other establishment that serves food and/or drink, while they are eating or drinking; however, individuals should wear face coverings in restaurants or bars in all other situations; or
• Are experiencing an emergency situation in which they lack the time or means to put on a face covering.
