Editor's note: the following information came from the unofficial meeting minutes of the Jefferson County Commission's special August 13 meeting 

(KNZA)--With an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county, the Jefferson County Commission was urged during a special meeting Thursday to adopt a mask mandate. 

County Health Officer Crystal VanHoutan made the request. She also presented a letter from eleven local physicians and practitioners requesting that Commissioners place a mandatory mask requirement into effect. 

The health care providers indicated in the letter that they are seeing a “tremendous increase” in positive virus cases and anticipate additional spread with children returning to school. 

As of Thursday, there have been 88 positive cases in Jefferson county. Ten are currently active, with seven hospitalizations.  

VanHoutan said a large motorcycle rally planned over the Labor Day weekend will most likely contribute to more cases. The County's Emergency Management Department has donated masks for the event in an effort to mitigate the exposure.  

VanHoutan reiterated the only tools currently available to slow the progression of the virus are the continual use of masks, hand washing and physical distancing.

A motion by Commissioner Lynn Luck to follow Governor Kelly's mask mandate died due to the lack of a second.

Commissioner Wayne Ledbetter said while he does not oppose the wearing of masks, he feels that a mandate is not needed. Ledbetter added he's supportive of masks in the schools. 

Ledbetter said the Board should make an attempt to better communicate to the public that masks are encouraged and that if the virus keeps getting worse, there may be a point where a mask mandate is required.