New Face Covering Ordinance Issued In Jefferson County

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A new ordinance requiring face coverings in Jefferson County begins Monday. County health director Dr. Mark Wilson issued the ordinance Friday, which will require face coverings in public indoor spaces and ride sharing.

Jefferson County is averaging almost 100 new cases of COVID-19 per day over the last week, and will likely pass Montgomery County in the next few days with the most COVID-19 cases in the state.

The order applies to adults and children over the age of 2, but some exceptions to the rule apply. The ordinance does not apply to places of worship, schools or day care facilities. Businesses open to the public will have to require face coverings for entry.

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The order does not cover Birmingham, which has its own order in place. Jefferson County's order can be viewed here.

"I’ve heard from people concerned about their personal liberty in wearing masks, I’ve also heard from people concerned their personal liberty is being violated by people they’re encountering in public by not wearing a mask," Wilson said in a news conference Friday.

SEE ALSO:

• State Superintendent Says Schools Will Be Open This Fall
• Jefferson County Releases COVID-19 Stats By ZIP Code
• 6 JeffCo Sheriff's Office Employees TEst Positive For COVID-19