JEFFERSON COUNTY ANNOUNCES MANDATORY FACE COVERING ORDER!

On Monday, June 29, 2020, Birmingham announces a mandatory face covering for the remaining of the year. Under the circumstances, the city is faced with a continuing increased in the COVID-19 cases. The decision was made to protect the residents of Birmingham and to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Alabama has attempted numerous times to enforce social distancing and wearing face coverings for protection. After failed attempts, Jefferson County will strictly be enforcing the law of wearing masks or face coverings in order to put a stop to the spread of COVID-19.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, the city of Birmingham made the decision to make changes to everyday life in hopes in a decrease in the number of cases.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that a significant number of people who are infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are not showing symptoms. These individuals can spread the virus to others through speaking, coughing, and sneezing. The widespread use of cloth coverings can slow the spread of the virus by reducing the instance of the virus being spread by people who do not even know that they have the virus. The primary role of the cloth face covering is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air.

In the state of Alabama, COVID-19 have risen up to 35,000 cases and 919 deaths. In Jefferson county, there is a total of 3,729 cases, which is the highest among all of the cities in Alabama.

According to the face-covering order, it is important to keep you nose and mouth covered. Lowering the covering from your nose and mouth while talking defeats the purpose of wearing the face-covering since you can spread the virus while talking. If you must adjust your mask, you should wash your hands before and after doing so or use a sanitizing gel or wipe before and after.