Shelby County health directives and county health officer.

People living in Shelby County want to understand why their situation seems to be a bit different from the rest of the state in terms of mask mandates and tyranny from their health department. And yes, it's a bit confusing.

For one, health departments, boards of health, health directors, and health officers are all different things and per state statute carry differing powers and duties. Secondly, the federal rulings and Governor's executive orders apply differently to Shelby County because the mandates are not being made by local school boards, but the county health officer.

That is an important distinction because this year, while no one was looking, the General Assembly greatly expanded the powers of the county health officer to make rules, at the direction of the Governor's office per a filed amendment to a bill.

Shelby County, you have Governor Bill Lee to thank for Health Directive 26 and the continued masking of your county. Watch the video for details.