2nd local county judge issues pandemic precautions in government facilities order

wireready_06-26-2020-09-18-04_00035_coronavirusupdates

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Thursday Arkansans must find a balance over the wearing of face masks in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Just hours after this message during the governor’s daily COVID-19 briefing, a second county judge in North Central Arkansas issued a directive mandating face masks be worn by those entering county offices.

In a Facebook post Thursday evening, Marion County Judge John Massey says beginning Friday, the wearing of face masks is mandatory in any county government building. Judge Massey’s message specified the courthouse, annex and library.

One week ago, Boone County Judge Robert Hathaway issued an executive order regarding use of county facilities in light of the pandemic. However, his order extended beyond wearing masks.

Judge Hathaway’s order requires anyone entering a Boone County building to follow rules established, unless they are authorized or directed to do otherwise by an individual screening people at the entrance, a court bailiff or the presiding judge.

The rules state that:

• All persons must cooperate with the screening process;

• All persons must allow taking of their temperature upon entrance;

• All persons must answer questions regarding any symptoms and potential exposure;

• All persons must maintain a minimum of 6 feet between people; and

• All persons must wear a mask adequately covering the nose and mouth and must bring their own masks.

Hathaway says the order covers both courthouses, the Boone County Health Unit and the Boone County Library.

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