County extends mask mandate until October 7th

     A majority of the Jackson County Legislature voted to extend the County’s public health order requiring mask-wearing in indoor public places for those 5 and older. The health order remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 7.
     The Jackson County Health Department supports extending the order, which aligns with current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The County currently meets the CDC’s definition of High Transmission designation. Before the extension, the health order was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7.
     “As elected officials, it is our job to make tough decisions regardless of how unpopular they are,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Today, the Legislature faced that challenge and ultimately, based on the science and data presented to them, acted in the best interest of public safety, not politics. We will continue relying on our public health and medical professionals to guide us through this deadly pandemic since it began nearly 18 months ago. Wearing a mask indoors along with getting more people vaccinated will offer more protection to all of our residents, including children under 12 who are not able to get vaccinated. I commend my colleagues today for standing up for what’s right.”