Chattanooga lifting mask restrictions

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Mayor Tim Kelly lifted mask restrictions on Friday for people who have been vaccinated.

The move applies to city buildings and will use the honor system.

However, these restrictions remain:

• 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.

“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.”

The mayor adds that he hopes to open city YFD centers back to communities soon.

Also the Warner Park Pool will open at 75% capacity on May 27.