(KNZA)--The Jefferson County Commission has issued a mandatory mask mandate for all county departments and offices.

The Commission took the action Monday to help reduce the spread of coronavirus in the county.

The mask mandate took effective Tuesday ( October 20).

According to a news release from Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Keith Jeffers, the general public will be required to wear masks when entering all county buildings and employees will be required to wear masks when interacting with each other or the general public.

The Commission continues to encourage residents to conduct necessary business by phone or electronic means, if possible.

The release says the mandate will be in place until its rescinded by the Commission.

County Health Department Administrator Crystal Vanhoutan told Commissioners there is currently community spread of the virus in the county.

As of Monday, there have been a total of 255 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county.

There are currently 31 active cases.

There have been 4 COVID-19 related deaths.