CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Based on data showing vaccinations increasing and COVID-19 cases declining, Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett has made the decision to end the mask mandate at 11:59 p.m., March 19.
Public and private health agencies have joined together to make sure that all vulnerable populations have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Because of the number of vaccines now available and the added vaccination sites, Montgomery County is on track to have all vulnerable categories completed by the end of March.
“Although we are lifting the mask mandate throughout our community, masks will be required in all County and City government buildings to protect our employees and visitors to the maximum extent possible,” Mayor Durrett said. “Our employees will also be required to wear masks when dealing with the public unless a partition is between the customer and employee. We have an occupational employment duty to protect our employees and ensure the continuity of county and city operations.”
“Private businesses have the right to require masks for people entering their businesses as well, and we highly encourage all people to wear masks when social distancing cannot be accomplished,” Mayor Durrett added.
City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said he and Mayor Durrett and public and private health officials have conferred about the mask mandate and other issues throughout the pandemic.
“Mayor Durrett and I agree that we have a duty to protect our employees,” Mayor Pitts said. “Therefore, we have decided that the wearing of face coverings in City buildings would still be required for employees and the public.”
County Director of Emergency Services Jimmie Edwards said the local medical community is requesting that people continue to wear face-coverings in public when social distancing is not an option.
“Montgomery County COVID numbers and hospitalization rates are better in comparison to those counties that chose not to have a mask mandate. This is a strong indicator of the effectiveness of face-coverings,” Edwards said. “Remember, it has only been a week since the CDC suggested that small gatherings were safe among people who have been fully vaccinated.”
Covid-19 vaccinations are currently being administered to everyone over the age of 65 along with individuals who are in Phase 1a through 1c. There are 27 vaccination locations throughout Montgomery County. To see the list and schedule an appointment visit https://vaccinefinder.org/.
The Montgomery County Government website and City of Clarksville website have a host of COVID-19 related information, including a COVID-19 dashboard. You can also call 931-648-5787 for questions.