Hinesville Mayor Pro Tem Jason Floyd signed an extension to the emergency order outlining mitigation efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19 within the city of Hinesville.
This emergency order comes in the wake of the continued increase in the community’s transmission index, which now rests around 600 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents.
The emergency order requires all persons, regardless of their vaccination status, within the city limits to wear a face covering or mask in City-owned buildings and facilities, when attending a City-permitted event (indoor and outdoor) and while riding federally regulated transportation options, including Liberty Transit. Additionally, all restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores and pharmacies in the city are strongly encouraged to require employees wear a face covering or mask, while having face-to-face interactions with the public.
The emergency order further outlines that anyone entering a commercial establishment in the city is strongly advised to wear a face covering. The emergency order states that any person who is unable to safely wear a face covering or mask due to age or an underlying health condition is exempt from the order. Those who are unable to remove a face covering or mask without assistance of others are also exempt from the order.
Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances:
: • When a person is alone in an enclosed space or only with other household members;
• During physical activity, provided the active person maintains a minimum of 6 feet from other people with whom they do not cohabitate;
• While drinking, eating or smoking;
• When wearing a face covering causes or aggravates a health condition;
• When wearing a face covering would prevent the receipt of personal services; and,
• When a person is 2 years of age or younger.
The order will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021.