Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum announced Monday that everyone in Weakley County should wear a face covering in public and in places accessible to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the mandate, Weakley County officials put together a list of exceptions. For example, according to Bynum, residents and visitors don't have to wear masks in situations where social distancing is possible or when outdoors, unless social distancing isn't possible.
Bynum said people also don't have to wear masks while eating, drinking or while seated at a restaurant or while in automobiles, unless transporting others for hire. He said those in a house of worship don't have to wear masks. Masks don't have to be worn while voting.
The release says those voting and in a house of worship are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
Some people are exceptions to the rule - including those with breathing issues, those 12 or under and those with disabilities who are not able to put on or remove a mask.
The press release cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as reasoning to wear a face covering, saying widespread use of masks is believed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The release says Tennessee law empowers the mayor to declare a local state of emergency and to implement actions necessary to protect public health.
Bynum announced the mandate on Thunderbolt Radio's morning show. The interview was later released on their website. Bynum released a full press release and infographic on Facebook later in the afternoon.