Special to Iredell Free News

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners is taking precautionary action to protect its employees from increasing community transmission of COVID-19 by implementing the use of face coverings for county employees as well as members of the public who visit county-operated facilities.

This measure, which was announced by the Iredell County Health Department, is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of county employees and residents.

County Masking Guidelines

Beginning at midnight on July 5, face coverings will be required for employees of Iredell County who are interacting with the public indoors, and outdoors if unable to maintain a distancing of six feet.

Employees will also wear face coverings if they are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet from co-workers, or in a shared workspace or common area, such as hallway and breakroom.

All visitors to county-operated facilities, unless otherwise excluded or an exception applies, must wear a face covering indoors and outdoors, if a six-foot distance cannot be maintained.

The county will provide, at no charge, one mask for personal use for visitors and members of the public seeking services who do not have a mask.

No one who is unable to wear a face covering as a result of one or more of the exceptions will be denied service. County employees will take measures to make reasonable accommodations in such instances.

LEARN MORE

For more information related to the Iredell County Government face covering proclamation, please visit the Iredell County website under COVID-19 to read the policy in its entirety or reach out to the Iredell County Government at 704-878-3050.

Before attending or hosting a gathering this summer, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Considerations for Events and Gatherings. This document provides great guidance related to reducing the spread of COVID-19, maintaining healthy environments, maintaining healthy operations, and preparing for when someone gets sick.

Safety Precautions

Iredell County Public Health Officials continue to encourage individuals to protect themselves to help lessen the spread of COVID-19. How to protect yourself and others:
• Practice social distancing, which means avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and keeping 6 feet or more between yourself and others;
• Wear cloth mask or face covering when out in public where you may be around people, like grocery stores or pharmacies, and still try to practice social distancing;
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash
• Stay home when you’re sick
• Keep distance from others who are sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in common areas like doorknobs, remotes, light switches, tables and handles.