The Rome City Commission last week approved an emergency order requiring wearing of a face covering in public places when social distancing is not feasible.

The order is an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

During the joint city/county meeting public health officials and representatives from Floyd, Redmond, and Harbin all stressed the importance of masks.

All persons entering a commercial establishment should wear a face covering.

In addition – all restaurants, retail stores, salons, barbershops, grocery stores, offices and pharmacies should require all employees to wear a face-covering or mask at all times while engaged in face to face interaction.

There are some exceptions for those unable to safely wear a face-covering due to age or underlying health condition.

The vote on Monday night was 7-2 with Commissioners Craig McDaniel and Jim Bojo voting “no.” The provision requiring children ages 2 and older to wear a mask was struck from the order, which you can read HERE.

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)