Coping with COVID: Jackson County revised capacity guidelines take effect Friday

By Madison Parry

An amended COVID-19 health order filed by the Jackson County Health Department takes effect in the county today, the revision slightly increasing the capacity allowed at indoor and outdoor gatherings to 100 people.

A revised health order by the Jackson County Health Department last week has already taken effect today, the amended order beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.

The revision increased the gathering capacity guideline for indoor and outdoors events to 100 people.

An Oct. 2 new release from the county states that, “all gatherings should not exceed 100 people unless social distancing, mask wearing, and proper protocols are in place to limit potential transmission of COVID-19.”

For events that do not reach or exceed 100 attendees though social distancing is not possible, the revision includes that people should wear masks.

“At gatherings with less than 100 people, masks are still required to be worn at all times indoors (except private residences) and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained,” the release said.

The new health order includes that gatherings that do surpass 100 attendees will require a county-approved Gathering Protocol form, which must be submitted at least 72 business hours in advance of the event.