Mayor Indya Kincannon signed an executive order yesterday mandating masks be worn inside all City-owned buildings.

The order comes following a week of significant increases in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Knox County.

“Wearing a mask is one thing we know will help mitigate the spread of this virus,” Kincannon said. “Everyone should be wearing a mask inside all public buildings and in places where physical distancing is difficult.  It is just common courtesy.

“It is my responsibility to do everything I can to keep the people of Knoxville safe and that includes City employees and anyone doing business inside a City facility. I want to lead by example and I will continue to urge other leaders to take similar measures.”

The order will go into effect Wednesday, July 1^st at all City-owned facilities.  That list includes, but is not limited to:

• • • The Public Works Service Center
    • The Safety Building
    • The Convention Center
    • The Sunsphere
    • The World’s Fair Park Exhibition Center
    • Civic Coliseum and Auditorium
    • The Jacob Building
    • The Muse
    • Indoor spaces at Zoo Knoxville
    • The Knoxville Station Transit Center
    • The Administrative Building for Parks & Rec

Visitors coming to the City-County Building will also be asked to wear a mask for all City-related business.

To read the executive order in its entirety, go to knoxvilletn.gov/COVID19.