Local officials respond to mask mandate

July 10, 2020 | 12:10 am

Updated July 10, 2020 | 12:40 am

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Masks are now mandated in public, but questions and concerns remain at the local level about how it will be enforced. 

Local officials generally agreed with the idea behind the mandate, but reactions differed on the execution of the order as well as if it was necessary at all. The public reaction locally also varied wildly, ranging from angered to very pleased based on social media input.

Beshear said local health departments would help enforce the mandate, which can be viewed in its entirety here.

After the highest single-day increase in numbers in the Green River District, Health Department Director Clay Horton said he supports the order to wear a mask.

“I think this was an important step that needed to be taken and one that most people will appreciate,” Horton said. “It will help protect workers in public businesses, and we know it will slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We have seen this week a significant rise in cases in our area. It is important that we all do our part to reverse that trend.”

Horton said they would primarily focus on helping businesses enforce the executive order.

Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly questioned how such an order could be enforced. He also said he would not issue a mask requirement for the county because it could create a variety of issues. 

However, during the Daviess County Fiscal Court meeting Thursday afternoon, Mattingly did briefly address the rise in cases locally this week.

“The virus is real,” Mattingly said. “The number of cases has jumped up — mainly as a direct result of people not social distancing, not wearing their mask and not sanitizing. The only tools we have in our toolbox are masks, social distancing and sanitizing your hands. Make use of the tools we have in our toolbox until a vaccine or good treatment comes.”

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson said he doesn’t have a real problem with the idea of wanting everyone to wear a mask, but he thinks the state should provide them to citizens if it’s going to be a requirement.

“It’s an unfunded mandate for the community, and I worry about the people below the poverty line — where are they going to come up with the money to buy masks? If (Beshear) wanted to put us all in masks like he’s done then he should have funded it,” Watson said. “That’s the thing that bothers me the most. I understand the thought process and I probably would have done it a little differently and just taken the hottest spots in Kentucky and done it for them.”

When must a mask be worn?

  • While inside or waiting in line to enter any: retail establishment; grocery store; pharmacy; hair salon/barbershop; nail salon/spa; tattoo parlor; childcare facility; restaurant or bar (when not seated and consuming food or beverage); healthcare setting; or, any other indoor public space in which it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from all individuals who are not members of that person’s household
  • While waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit, or while riding in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle, or driving any of the above while customers are present
  • While in outdoor public spaces in which the person cannot maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from from all individuals who are not members of that person’s household and is not otherwise covered by previously issued guidance

Who is exempt?

  • Children age 5 and younger
  • Anyone with a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask safely
  • Anyone hearing impaired or communicating with the hearing impaired where seeing the mouth is essential for communication
  • Anyone engaged in work that a state or federal regulator says would be unsafe to wear a mask
  • Anyone actively eating or drinking
  • Anyone receiving service that requires temporary removal of a mask
  • Anyone who must temporarily remove a mask for identification or security purposes
  • Anyone giving a speech to an audience and is able to maintain a safe distance
  • Anyone in a swimming pool, lake or other body of water
  • Anyone working out in a gym as long as their is 6 feet of social distancing
  • Anyone participating in athletics that are permitted by Healthy at Work requirements
  • Anyone doing work in which they’re federally prohibited from wearing a facial covering

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July 10, 2020 | 12:10 am

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