Columbia approves ordinance requiring masks

Beware if you drive across the bridge from West Columbia or Cayce, into the Columbia. The Columbia City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday that requires masks to be worn in public places in the city limits, as a response to the coronavirus. 

 The ordinance mandates that anyone over the age of 10 is required to wear a mask when entering a commercial business. Religious buildings are excluded. 

 In accordance with the ordinance, restaurants, retail stores, salons, grocery stores and pharmacies must require their employees to wear a mask at all times in public face-to-face interaction. 

SPONSORS

 The masks will not be required in the following circumstances: 

• -In personal vehicles 
• -When alone in enclosed spaces, or only with other household members 
• -During outdoor physical activity, when the active person maintains a 6 ft. distance from others 
• -While drinking, eating or smoking -When wearing a mask causes or aggravates a health condition 
• -When wearing a mask would prevent the recipient of personal services 

 Anyone unable to safely wear a mask covering due to age, underlying health conditions or unable to remove the mask without assistance is exempt from the ordinance. If an individual fails to comply with the ordinance, they could be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of no more than $25.

LOCAL NEWS SPONSORS -