Starting Monday (July 20), you’ll need to wear a mask if you wish to do business in-person with Jefferson County government.
County Executive Dennis Gannon on Wednesday (July 15) issued a face mask directive covering the Jefferson County Administration Center, the Administration Center Annex, the County Courthouse and the Justice Center.
“All county employees will be required to wear face masks,” Gannon said. “In addition, the public also will be required to have a face mask on to enter any of those buildings. If you don’t bring a mask with you, we will supply a disposable mask.”
The policy also directs county employees to wear masks if more than one person is riding in a county vehicle, according to the directive, which also includes the court system and the Sheriff’s Office, he said.
Those attending public meetings, like County Council or Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, also will be required to wear masks, as will members of those boards.
Gannon said the policy is in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the area.
“A couple of weeks ago, (Health Director) Kelley Vollmar and I released a statement strongly urging all residents to wear face coverings,” Gannon said of his July 2 announcement. “But it occurred to me that I haven’t always followed that advice. So this needs to start right here. County government needs to make a statement that this is important before it’s too late.
“I’d rather be able to go to my favorite restaurants with a mask on than risk another shutdown and not be able to go to that restaurant but still have to wear a mask.”
Gannon said while he understood some members of the public may resist the requirement, it’s a necessary step.
“Most offices have alternative methods of doing business,” he said. “For those who have to come to Hillsboro to get something done – pay their taxes, apply for a marriage license, cast an absentee ballot – how long are they typically here for? Maybe 15 minutes? This is a pretty simple, easy step to take.”
Entry doors to the buildings will continue to be monitored and a county employee will take the temperature of anyone entering.
While the mask mandate was not in effect for the most recent County Council meeting on July 13, council members and other county officials were spaced out and most department heads who attended were wearing masks in anticipation of the order, Gannon said.
“As we have since this pandemic started, we’re asking people to be aware of social distancing, to wash their hands frequently, to clean surfaces and avoid large gatherings,” he said.