Johnson County Issues Mandatory Face Covering Order

Johnson County has issued a mandatory face covering order for all individuals effective Monday July 6. The reason for the implementation according to Johnson County Community Health Services is a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the County.

Johnson County has seen a 32 percent increase in coronavirus cases over the last ten days. In a statement Johnson County Community Health Administrator Mary Thaut said:

The health, safety and wellness for our communities are our biggest priorities. The recent spike in numbers has caused us to implement additional safety precautions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We understand that wearing a face covering is not the most comfortable, but this is a necessary step to help keep our communities safe.

She went on to mention that Johnson County Community Health Services understands how important it is for the economy to keep Johnson County businesses open. Taught says in her statement that the mask is a tool each of us can use to keep each other safe while continuing to be active in our communities.

JCCHS says research indicates 25 to 80 percent of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic. This allows for rapid spread of the virus between people. Masks are one way, along with frequent hand washing, social distancing and staying away from large gatherings to slow the spread of the virus.

Exceptions to the face mask requirement:

• The deaf and hard of hearing.
• Children under two years of age.
• Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes those with a medical condition in which wearing a face mask could obstruct breathing, the unconscious, the incapacitated and those who cannot remove a face covering without assistance.
• Individuals in a restaurant or bar, properly social distanced, actively eating or drinking.

Learn more about the Johnson County face mask requirement here.