08/17/2021
Today, the NHC Health & Human Services (HHS) Board proposed a health rule requiring masks in all indoor public places in the county regardless of vaccination status, including offices, businesses, public transportation, and anywhere the public may assemble. Read more: bit.ly/3ANCTP1
Along with consideration of the health rule, the HHS Board requested Public Health Director David Howard issue an Order of Abatement requiring masks for all indoor public places. This order goes into effect Friday, August 20 at 5 pm. Read the order: bit.ly/3AO1CTh
The order and proposed health rule follow weeks of drastic increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. There have been 1,152 new cases reported so far in August, compared to 217 new cases in June, almost ten times the number of cases as NHC had just two months ago.
Public comment is open for 10 days on the proposed health rule, after which the HHS Board reconvene for a special meeting to vote on the rule. Comment can be made online, and must be submitted by noon on Monday, August 30. Read the rule and submit comment: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RR9Q3H7
The proposed health rule can be viewed online and copies are available at the HHS building at 1650 Greenfield Street. Signs for businesses, FAQs about the order and rule, and more will be posted at Health.NHCgov.com in the coming days.
The message remains - get a vaccine as soon as possible. Do what’s necessary to prevent this virus from impacting you, your family, and our community. Vaccinations, coupled with the 3 Ws are our best combined defense against COVID-19 to prevent hospitalizations and save lives.