CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As of today, Montgomery County’s mask mandate has ended. In its place, County Mayor Jim Durrett has signed Emergency Order #18, a slimmed-down version of the previous order, which primarily affects businesses and public-facing employees.

1. Why drop the order now?

In a letter to Montgomery County residents, Durrett said he believes an increase in recovery rates and a decrease to hospitalizations from COVID-19, along with reexamination of current data, allow the county to lift personal restrictions.

“We now have data that demonstrates that following safe social practices has reduced our number of new COVID-19 cases. We have seen the rate of positive tests start to decline and our 14-day trends of new cases have dropped significantly,” said Durrett.

2. Do I have to wear a mask in businesses?

That depends on the business. While the county is no longer requiring citizens to wear masks in public, many national and local businesses continue to do so. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix and other businesses have said that they will continue requiring customers to wear face coverings for the time being.

Other local businesses, including Governor’s Square Mall, have chosen to lift mask restrictions along with the county; however, much like the county, they are encouraging customers to continue wearing masks.

If you are unsure about a particular business’ policy, check their website and/or social media accounts for recent updates.

3. Do employees have to wear a mask?

Under the new emergency order, many public-facing employees are still required to wear cloth face coverings while engaged with the public where social distancing is not possible.

4. What about schools?

According to CMCSS Spokesman Anthony Johnson, the school system will continue to require masks in the following situations.

  • All students utilizing CMCSS transportation are required to wear masks while on the bus.
  • All students are required to wear masks in the common areas of the school building (i.e. hallways, restrooms, front offices, etc.) and anywhere else in the building when physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes the classroom.
  • All employees are required to wear masks in all common areas of the school building and anywhere else in the building when physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes the classroom.

Students and employees are encouraged to bring their own masks if possible; however, the district will have masks available for students and employees who need one.

5. What about county government buildings?

County government buildings, including the Courts Center, will still require visitors to wear a cloth face covering

6. What are the exceptions?

Emergency Order #18 contains exceptions for the following scenarios:

  • Within one’s personal vehicle, unless transporting others for hire
  • Children ages 12 and younger
  • By someone who has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health related reason for not wearing a face covering.
  • By someone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
  • While eating or drinking
  • While outdoors, unless the person cannot maintain appropriate social distancing from others outside the person’s household
  • In situations where wearing a face covering might pose a safety or security risk
  • While in a house of worship, unless doing so is required by that house of worship
  • While in a voting site for the purpose of voting or administering of an election

7. How long will this new order last

The newest emergency order is set to expire on Tuesday, Sept. 15. At this time, the mayor may choose to renew the order for another week.