Masks Mandate extended in Madison County

Governor Bill Lee issued an order to extend mask mandates across the state, and Madison county is honoring that order by requiring masks in public places until September.

“I feel good about it,” said Preston Jones, a resident who is not against the mask mandate.

There are mixed feelings about orders to wear face coverings across the nation, but there are a few locals who are not against it.

Preston Jones believes the extension until September may not be long enough.

“I don’t even know if it should be extended until October, but whatever it takes you, know,” said Jones.

The masks mandate began on July 4 when there were over 300 confirmed cases.

As the extension is in effect, today, there are over 2000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the area.

We’re at 2293; that’s up 29 since yesterday,” said Kim Tedford, director of the Madison County regional health department.

Jones covers his face because if the severity of the virus impacts those close to him.

“Because it is a serious virus and it is killing people. People that are close to me,” said Jones.

So far, 46 deaths have been confirmed.

The masks mandate was set to expire at the end of August. But as of now, face coverings or masks are required until midnight on September 12.