Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs won’t impose any new restrictions or mask mandates, even with the rise of the Delta variant and regular cases.
The mayor made this declaration in response to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAIH) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci’s interview with CNN anchor Jake Tapper. Fauci revealed that he and other public health officials were considering renewed guidance recommending masks for fully-vaccinated individuals.
“As we once again hear talk about lockdowns and mandates across the country, I feel it is important I make it clear that under no circumstances will I issue any new COVID restrictions,” stated Jacobs. “Vaccines are now readily available across the country for those who want them, and our economy cannot sustain another devastating lockdown. I have faith in the people of this county to make the decisions that benefit their families best.”
Vaccines are now readily available across the county for those who want them, and our economy cannot sustain another devastating lockdown. I have faith in the people of this county to make the decisions that benefit their families best.
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) July 25, 2021
Jacobs made his stance clear in an interview with reporters on Monday evening.
On Tuesday, Jacobs explained further that he prioritized individual rights over a public good.
“Individual freedoms are important to me. That’s why I stood strong against the lockdowns and will continue to fight to protect your rights,” tweeted Jacobs.
Individual freedoms are important to me. That’s why I stood strong against the lockdowns and will continue to fight to protect your rights.
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) July 27, 2021
On Tuesday, the CDC updated its guidance in the near future to recommend masks for all individuals in areas with substantial or high transmission rates – regardless of vaccination status. The CDC included the link to their nationwide case tracker to relay which areas have substantial or high transmission rates.
“#DeltaVariant surging in U.S. New data show Delta much more contagious than previous versions of #COVID19,” stated the CDC. “Unvaccinated people: get vaccinated and mask until you do. Everyone in areas of substantial/high transmission should wear a mask, even if vaccinated.”
#DeltaVariant surging in U.S. New data show Delta much more contagious than previous versions of #COVID19. Unvaccinated people: get vaccinated & mask until you do. Everyone in areas of substantial/high transmission should wear a mask, even if vaccinated. https://t.co/tt49zOEC8N
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 27, 2021
According to the latest data released last week from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), there are 563 cases of the Delta variant in the state. Approximately 97 percent of total estimated COVID-19 cases have recovered.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Glenn Jacobs” by Glenn Jacobs.
