A mandatory mask order in Sevier County went into effect on Friday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m. The mask requirement came after the county saw a rise in the number of coronavirus cases. The original order lasted through August 3. A new executive order extends the mask requirement through August 29. If you have plans to visit the Smoky Mountain area before then, please be prepared to wear a mask in all public indoor areas and businesses. Here is more information on the mask requirement in Sevier County TN:
The mandatory mask order is extended through August 29, 2020. Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters signed Executive Order 29, which requires face coverings in certain circumstances through August 29. This is an extension of Executive Order 23, which required masks in public indoor areas beginning July 10. In a press release, Mayor Larry Waters stated the following:
“I am extending the mask mandate for the health and safety of the residents, employees, and visitors of Sevier County. We are still collecting data from the tests performed during the original mandate, and I do not feel that we have enough information to end the order. The Sevier County School Administration also believes extending the mandate would be beneficial with regards to opening school later this month. We’ve heard a variety of opinions, including those of the city leaders, health care providers, local businesses, and tourism officials regarding wearing a mask. The majority of the people we’ve spoken to are in favor of continuing the mandate. The wearing of masks is a temporary inconvenience that I believe will help slow the transmission of COVID-19.”
Click here to view the official executive order.
Masks are mandatory in all indoor areas and businesses that are accessible to the public. Exceptions to this include places of worship and private businesses that can impose stricter social distancing guidelines. When you visit Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville, expect to wear a mask at indoor attractions, shops, and restaurants before you’re seated at your table.
Children 12 and under are not required to wear a mask. People who have a medical condition that makes it difficult to wear a mask are also exempt from this order, as well as people who are incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance. The Sevier County School System is exempt from the mask order as well, as it will formulate its own reopening guidelines.
By law, people and businesses who do not comply can potentially face penalties such as fines. According to Sevier County officials, first time offenders against the order will be given a warning and educated on “the purpose of the order.”