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Health Department issues new recommendations on Covid-19 vaccinations and mask wearing

By Diana Fedinec

Shelby County Health Department

The Shelby County Health Department issued Health Order No. 25 recently, providing new COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and requirements that are effective Aug. 31 - Sept. 30, 2021. 

Given the rise in transmission rates and cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant, the Department strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated.  The Department also recommends that people who have immunocompromised conditions receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Eligible individuals who are already vaccinated should get a booster shot as soon as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approves of boosters.

The new order also updated its mask wearing directive to a universal mask mandate for Shelby County for public indoor settings. As the CDC currently considers Shelby County a high-risk area for coronavirus transmission, masks are highly recommended outdoors where close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated may occur. 

In accordance with CDC, state, local and Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) guidelines, Southwest does not require vaccinations for admissions or access to campus.  Mask wearing is required indoors at all locations, except when dining or in private office.  Southwest students, employees and visitors who test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to self-report online and stay tuned to updates via the College’s coronavirus website at www.southwest.tn.edu/coronavirus.

For details on the Department’s new Order regarding vaccinations, testing and mask wearing, visit Health Order No. 25. For information on vaccination eligibility and appointments, visit https://www.shelby.community/.