Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly updated his COVID-19 executive order on Friday, lifting restrictions on city softball fields and basing the order on federal guidance.
In the updated version, Kelly tweaks his April 23 order to be based on guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Originally, Kelly's order was based on since-lifted executive orders by Gov. Bill Lee and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.
The order also lifts previous restrictions on tournament play at the city's softball fields, including The Summit of Softball Complex in Ooltewah and the Warner Park Softball Complex.
Previous restrictions on gatherings and certain entertainment venues lifted in the original order remain lifted.
Masks or face coverings are still required within all city buildings.
In a media release about the executive order, Kelly urged citizens to get vaccinated, citing statistics from the Hamilton County Department of Health that show that the seven-day average of people being vaccinated in the county so far in May is less than half what it was at its peak in April.
"While I am gratified by the increasing number of Chattanoogans who have chosen to get vaccinated against COVID-19, we have further to go before we can begin to let down our guard," Kelly said in the release. "Like many Chattanoogans, I look forward to the day when we can gather together free from restrictions. For our economy, for our friends and for our families, I would encourage everyone who is medically able to do so to get vaccinated immediately and continue to wear masks indoors."
Pfizer vaccines are available to those over 16 years of age through the health department at the Tennessee Riverpark, with no appointment necessary.
For more information on vaccines in Hamilton County, visit health.hamiltontn.org or call (423)209-8383.
Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.comor 423-757-6416. Follow her on Twitter @_sarahgtaylor.