That decision was made even though several healthcare leaders attended the meeting and spoke about the importance of masks.

Claudette DeMuth, with Marshall Medical Centers, said there are currently 61 patients at the hospitals which is an all-time high.

89 percent of them are unvaccinated. 20 of those patients are in the ICU, and 13 are on ventilators at both campuses.

Judy Smith with the Alabama Department of Public Health spoke out in favor of requiring masks at the courthouse. She said 70 percent of people in Marshall County are unvaccinated. She singled that out as the cause of record hospitalizations.

Marshall County EMA Director Anita McBurnett said although the numbers are concerning, she is hoping everyone will do their part to reduce COVID’s spread.

Marshall County Circuit Judge Chris Able said he’s suspending jury trials. He also plans to require masks in his courtroom for other court proceedings.

SOURCE WAFF TV 48 NEWS