Strickland signs mask ordinance
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has signed the ordinance requiring masks or face coverings in public outdoor places within Memphis. Pictured above, Strickland speaks during a press conference announcing the City's Mask Up Memphis campaign on Monday, June 22, 2020 at Whitehaven Branch Library. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian file)
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has signed the ordinance that requires masks or face coverings inside public places within the city.
His signatures makes the ordinance effective immediately, although questions remain about enforcement.
The action comes a week after the Memphis City Council gave final approval to the measure, sponsored by council member Jeff Warren.
Strickland and city Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen have said Memphis Police will likely not be involved in enforcement, with that being a role city Code Enforcement officers would play.
Shelby County Health Department officers who inspect restaurants will include the ordinance when they inspect restaurants and others places serving food within Memphis, Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said.
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Bill Dries
Bill Dries covers city and county government and politics. He is a native Memphian and has been a reporter for more than 40 years.
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