Search

Mayor Tim Kelly Lifts Some Mask Restrictions


Kelly removes mask mandate for vaccinated residents in most situations and locations,

in line with this week’s changes to CDC guidelines; plans to reopen Warner Park pool

 

 

Chattanooga, Tenn. (May 14, 2021) — In line with new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly on Friday lifted mask restrictions for fully vaccinated residents in city buildings in most common situations and locations.

Per new CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The new executive order brings city restrictions and recommendations in line with CDC guidance.

Some restrictions remain in place

A few guidelines and recommendations remain in place for fully-vaccinated individuals:

  • All residents will still need to follow guidance at their workplace and at local businesses, which as private entities have the right to set their own guidelines.
  • The CDC still recommends passengers to wear a mask on public transportation and within transportation hubs, and federal rules still require mask and social-distancing precautions in airports and on commercial flights.
  • The CDC still recommends that residents cover their faces and practice social distancing at the doctor, in a hospital and in long-term care facilities such as a nursing home. Those rules also apply in prisons, jails or homeless shelters.
  • Residents are advised to be mindful of symptoms of COVID-19, especially if they have been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all precautions to prevent COVID-19.
  • Residents should continue to keep masks on their person in case they wish to frequent a business or location that requires them.

Studies support vaccine efficacy

In the months since vaccines began to be made available to the public, three separate scientific studies — one in Israel and two in the United States — have shown that vaccines work to reduce the spread of COVID-19, with one studying showing that vaccines reduce the chance of symptomatic infection by 97 percent.

“I would encourage everyone who is medically able to do so to take advantage of the many opportunities in our city to get vaccinated, whether at the Tennessee Riverpark vaccination site or at a local pharmacy like a CVS, a Walgreens or a Publix,” Kelly said. “Chattanoogans have always been able to accomplish great things when we work together. Let’s put this pandemic behind us by getting fully vaccinated.”

Most vaccination locations are now taking walk-ins. Vaccines.gov allows residents to find the most convenient location closest to them with real-time availability.

Additional city services to be made available

The Kelly administration will continue to evaluate making more city services available in line with applicable vaccination and infection rates.

  • Warner Park Pool is currently planned to open at 75 percent capacity beginning May 27.
  • Other facilities may open at a later date, pending availability of staff and after evaluation of vaccination and infection rates.

Other Topics

During November’s Apprenticeship Week – which formally launched a remarkable new program called Apprenticeship Works – one local woman from Unum who participated and graduated from its company’s apprenticeship program declared to a crowd of Chattanooga’s business leaders, elected officials, and…

With holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to dive into the spirit of celebration and find the perfect gift for your loved ones. As we deck the halls and spread the cheer, explore our handpicked selection of six local businesses, each offering the…

One day in high school, a man walked into Lovette Clay’s class with an offer that would ultimately change his life.  His name was Gerald Harris, principal of the Construction Career Center. He offered Lovette an opportunity unlike any other.…

In June 2023, seven graduates from Whitfield County and Dalton Public Schools celebrated their first full-time job opportunities after completing Project Purpose, a two-week workforce training program for high school graduates interested in careers with Whitfield County's leading manufacturers, organized…

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting, sponsored by Chattanooga Gas, celebrated the community's achievements from the past fiscal year. Charles Wood, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Chamber, kicked off the event by acknowledging the dedication of volunteers,…

In today’s rapidly changing world, it is crucial to a community’s prosperity to have a diverse industry base. As a result, some communities are reevaluating their traditional economic development models and shifting away from the industry that has defined them…

Sign up for weekly updates.