Alabama has become the first Republican-led state to have one of its local governments reinstitute mask mandates over fears of a COVID resurgence.
On Thursday, Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn instituted a mandatory masking policy for all county buildings that deal with the public after experiencing several "isolated cases" among county employees. He claims it is a "precautionary measure" to stop the spread of COVID-19, which has been on the rise across the nation.
"At this point in time it is only being taken effect in the government buildings that the public come into," Nunn told WAKA. "And that will be the three buildings that we have. The courthouse, the annex and the administrative building. These three buildings in which the public come in, and we provide services to the public."
Nunn is also the chair of the county commission, which typically has the authority over the local courthouses and other county buildings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 were on an upward trend nationwide from August 20-26. However, according to COVID Act Now, as of September 8, Dallas County was considered to be at the lowest "community risk level" with 6.6 weekly hospital admissions per 100,000 residents, which equates to 1% of all hospital beds.
Nunn said he intends to keep the policy in place for as long as COVID cases continue to rise. He said he spoke with the other members of the county commission about it Friday.
“We’re having a grand opening on the 27th of September of our new building, so they say they would like to maintain it in effect until then, and we’ll come back and make a decision thereafter," Nunn told 1819 News.
Note: This article has been updated with comments from Judge Jimmy Nunn.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
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