The County Public Health Department reversed itself Wednesday on the issue of wearing face masks while driving and about drive-up church. Wednesday morning, the county said all residents must wear a face mask while in their vehicle. Wednesday afternoon, it reversed itself, saying that drivers traveling alone or with members of their family do not need to wear a face mask in their vehicle unless they lower the vehicle’s window to interact with first responders, food service workers, or other people who are not members of their households. Masks may be homemade cloth masks, bandanas or handkerchiefs, or gaiters.
In another reversal, the county’s order says that if a religious organization has already planned drive-in services for this weekend, it may continue with the drive-in religious service. However, every effort must be made to prevent contact between congregants. Managing editor Tami Roleff follows up on how these new orders will be enforced…
While violating these Public Health Department orders are finable offenses, the county does not expect law enforcement to broadly impose citations on violators. Residents are expected to use good judgment, common sense, and act in the best interests of their own health and that of the community at large. The imposition of penalties on members of the public who willfully and grossly disregard public health orders by putting others at risk of exposure to this infectious disease is meant as a tool for law enforcement to use as a deterrent.
