Shelby County Health Department is tightening its stance on facial coverings, making masking mandatory, officials announced in a Friday press conference.

“Our transmission is continuing to go up,” Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said, noting additional measures are needed as the positive rate rises.

“It is crucial (to wear a mask),” Randolph said. “The only thing we really have to prevent the transmission of this virus is wearing a facial covering or a mask to prevent your respiratory droplets from going out to someone else.”.

Previously, the Health Department said it legally did not have the authority to mandate masks.

“We find it necessary to take some measures to prevent the transmission of this virus and keep the numbers from rising more than we expect,” Randolph said.

“Situations where people tend to not wear facial coverings or masks – where people yell, sing, shout, talk loud, et cetera – we find it necessary to take some other measures to try and prevent the transmission of this virus and try to keep our numbers from rising more than we anticipate them from doing.” 

Editor’s Note: Shelby County Health Department said during the Friday noon briefing masks were mandated for those over age 12