In a statement released, Byrdstown Mayor Sam Gibson and Pickett County Executive Carey Garner highly encourage every citizen to use a face covering or mask and continue to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both say wearing a face covering is a simple step that each resident can take to slow down the spread of the virus, which prevents having to take more drastic measures in the future. This is not a mandate but a recommendation for Pickett County.