Today, the Shelby County Health Department issues Health Order No. 25. It includes recent guidance from the CDC that applies to areas like Shelby County, where the Delta variant is dominant and where a high level of transmission is occurring.

Health Order No. 25 includes the following changes:

1) Renews the provisions of the Second Amended Health Order No. 24 and is effective August 31, 2021 to September 30, 2021, unless amended further.

2) Explains the difference between a “third dose” for those with immunocompromised conditions and a “booster” for those who are fully vaccinated. A “third dose” is available and recommended now for people with immunocompromised conditions. A “booster” dose is likely to become available this fall.

3) Strongly encourages employers to require COVID-19 vaccinations or regular COVID-19 testing for all unvaccinated employees, including those who are asymptomatic.

Health Order No. 24 may be viewed online here: shelbytn.gov/healthdirectives.