Knox County’s indoor mask requirement died quickly amid the interplay of the governor’s manifold executive orders on the COVID-19 response.
School Board Deadlocks on Mask Change
With some members questioning the need to revisit the requirement, a 4-4 tie leaves it in place for now.
Mask Confusion
Knox County leaders scramble to find a path forward after Mayor Glenn Jacobs revoked the requirement to wear face coverings in public spaces.
Jacobs Ends Mask Mandate
Officials have given no explanation for the change in authority that bypassed Dr. Martha Buchanan, the county’s public health officer.
Multiple Traumas
While planning for emergence from the pandemic, the school board confronts the aftermath of another student’s violent death.
Restrictions to Continue
Knox County’s health officer says she will extend public health orders when full pandemic response decisions fall to her.
Schools Unmasked?
The school board tries to look toward the fall, but gets mired in lingering pandemic politics.
Health Boards Draw More Fire
Another bill to disempower local health boards advances in the Legislature. This one would ban “vaccine passports.”
‘There Is No Us and Them’
Pledging to protect the community, Buchanan expresses dismay at the divisions over the pandemic response following the Board of Health’s demise.
Commission Dissolves Board of Health
Mask mandate, other regulations up in the air as public health authority shifts back to the county health director.