As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Gwinnett County officials announced that face masks or face coverings will be required beginning Jan. 26 for all visitors and employees while inside county buildings and facilities, according to a Gwinnett County release.
On Tuesday, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson signed the executive order, which requires a face mask covering the mouth and nose inside of County facilities. Those who do not comply may be denied entry or may be asked to leave.
The order cited a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a ruling from the Supreme Court. The CDC recommends people wear masks to reduce the spread of the disease. The Supreme Court has ruled a community has the right to protect its citizens from epidemics.
The order also allows for a couple of exceptions for bona fide medical or religious reasons and for people who cannot put on or remove masks by themselves.
Hendrickson says the mandatory face mask order is necessary to protect those providing essential services to the public.
“It is imperative we protect our employees and our workforce," said Hendrickson. “Many of the services provided by the County require face-to-face interaction. We need our employees to be healthy so that we can continue operating and providing essential services to the public.”
Gwinnett County has the most cases in Georgia and is ranked third in deaths. As of Friday, Gwinnett County reported 68,603 cases and 643 deaths.
