Copeland pushes mask requirement in county facilities

Grady County Commissioner LaFaye Copeland urged her fellow commissioners to consider mandating the wearing of facial masks when entering county facilities similar to an order put in place for City of Cairo offices this week, but she did not receive much encouragement.

“We should do what is necessary to protect ourselves and our employees,” Commissioner Copeland said, and she added, “Governor Kemp is recommending it.”

Grady County Commission Chairman Keith Moye agreed the governor is recommending people wear masks, but he noted it is not mandated.

Copeland suggested as community leaders, the board should lead by example. “If they see us doing it, they might be inclined to do it also,” she said.

Grady County Emergency Management Agency director Richard Phillips updated the board on COVID-19 locally and reported that he has received 4,500 masks to distribute locally as well as a limited supply of hand sanitizer and twin oxide.

Phillips says he has masks available at the health department and commission office.

He warned that the number of positive cases here continues to grow and urged residents to practice social distancing, to regularly wash hands, and wear a mask when out in public or around groups of people.