Mayor Indya Kincannon has signed an executive order 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, 2020 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 Hall
• Civic Coliseum and Auditorium
• The Jacob Building
• The Muse
• Indoor spaces at Zoo Knoxville
• The Knoxville Station Transit Center
• The Administrative Building for Parks & Recreation
• Vehicle Impoundment Lot

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

Click here to read the executive order in its entirety.