Warren County supervisors Monday extended the county’s COVID-29 emergency order through Nov. 2.

“This is basically in response to the governor’s executive order,” said Board Attorney Blake Teller told the supervisors during their regular meeting Monday. “The question is do we want to make any changes to our existing resolution through Nov. 2.”

Extending the order is a difficult decision, District 5 Supervisor Kelle Barfield said, “But it’s in the best interest of all.”

Under the provisions of the order, social distancing and masks are still required for people working in a business or government office and for anyone entering a business or government office. Hand sanitizer must be made available and all carts and baskets used by the business must be sanitized.

Employees must be screened before going on their shifts.

Exceptions to the mask rules include people who will not come into contact with others or will maintain social distancing, any child under 8 years old, although masks for that age group are encouraged, anyone with a medical condition that prevents wearing a mask or anyone eating or drinking.

No alcohol can be sold before 7 a.m. or after 11 p.m. and bars must close at midnight.

The supervisors’ action comes four days after Mayor George Flaggs eased some of the restrictions under the city’s emergency declaration and allow retail businesses, restaurants and bars and other businesses to return to full operation as long as they continue requiring social distancing and masks.

Gyms and fitness centers and theaters and auditoriums were limited to 75 percent of capacity. A maximum of 10 people are allowed to sit at tables in restaurants and bars and businesses that sell alcohol for consumption at the business must stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. and close at midnight.

Flaggs removed the city’s mask mandate for outside provided people maintain social distancing.