As state and local leaders figure out ways to manage the pandemic, one Tennessee mayor is taking a spiritual approach. Bill Newman, mayor of Lincoln County, said he would not issue a mask mandate for the county until he is moved to do so by "the Holy Spirit."
In an interview with al.com, Mayor Newman said he understands the science behind the efficiency of masks; moreover he does not think it should be a requirement.
"(The virus) is science and it's true and I do believe masking helps prevent the spread of it," Newman told al.com. "But I don't feel I should mandate people wearing masks all the time."
Earlier this year, Gov. Bill Lee said he wouldn't issue a statewide mask mandate but gave county mayors the authority to do so. While Newman does not currently believe a mask mandate should be issued in Lincoln county, he is open to guidance from above.
"The Holy Spirit dwells within us," Newman said. "It's a heart thing. It's not a mind thing. But you're using all your God-given (talents), your physical or mental or spiritual, all those things. When I pray for guidance, I may not know the answer immediately."
Lincoln County, located near the Tennessee-Alabama border, has a population of around 34,000. Since the start of the pandemic, it has recorded 1,322 cases of coronavirus.