An order requiring the use of facemasks inside retail and commercial businesses in Teton County took effect Monday.
Dr. Travis Riddell, Teton County’s health officer, said state officials approved his request for the requirement, seen as a way to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“A mounting body of scientific evidence has shown that wearing a face covering in public can limit the transmission of COVID-19 from person to person,” Riddell said in a news release. “We feel that now is the time to implement this public health order so that we can confidently continue to reopen our community and serve visitors and locals.”
Teton County has been one of the counties hardest hit by coronavirus recently, with the number of active cases — both laboratory-confirmed and probable — increasing from 30 to 66 in the last week.
The order applies to Jackson as well as Teton County.
Under the order, all adults must wear a face covering when inside or in line to enter any retail or commercial business, health care facility or while riding on public transportation.
The order also requires employees of retail or commercial businesses to wear face masks. Exceptions will be granted for those who have a medical condition that makes it difficult to breathe while wearing a mask.
Gov. Mark Gordon, in a Facebook post, said several Jackson businesses have been forced to close because of the coronavirus recently.
“I am hopeful that this order will help local businesses affected by coronavirus to get back open again and that residents and visitors alike will support health care workers, business owners and their fellow citizens by wearing a mask — whether it’s mandated or not,” he said.
