The Jefferson County Department of Health on Sunday issued an update to its public health order, adding more restrictions and clarifying that a number of businesses need to close by Monday at 5 p.m.
Jefferson County Health Officer, Dr. Mark Wilson, tightened his public health order Sunday, ordering that all hair salons and barbershops close by Monday evening, “for the safety of the patrons and the haircare professionals.”
“This is a matter of life and death,” Wilson said. “There is simply no way to maintain safe social distancing.”
All non-essential retail stores are also ordered to close Monday night. That does not include pharmacies, gas stations, grocery stores, hardware and business supply, technology, or office supply stores.
“This is not a time to look for loopholes,” Wilson said. “I simply cannot possibly list each and every business, so I need your help, using good judgment, to do everything you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Jefferson County has the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases in the state. As of Sunday night, the county has 71 confirmed cases of the virus.
The county’s high number might reflect the fact that there has been more access to testing in the county, but public health officials are taking increasingly more serious precautions to protect the public.
