Jefferson County will require the use of masks in public starting next week, the county health officer announced Friday. Dr. Mark Wilson said he issued the order, which takes effect Monday at 5 p.m., because of the rising number of coronavirus cases. "We all need to take this very seriously, and do everything we can to get Covid-19 numbers moving back in the right direction," Wilson said. The order applies to people 8 years of age and older, who enter indoor spaces of businesses of venues open to the general public. Exceptions are made for churches and schools, which will set their own policies, Wilson said. The announcement came as the state announced more than 950 new cases, and reported that hospitalizations are at a record high.