Richland County might require you to wear a face mask. Here’s how you can weigh in
Richland County is the latest local government considering whether residents should be required to wear masks in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The county is asking residents to weigh in on an online poll where they can voice their opinion on a requirement to wear a mask whenever someone is out in public.
The poll will be open until July 14, when county officials will consider how to move forward, Richland County said in a press release.
Richland County has not drafted an ordinance that would require face masks be worn, or proposed any penalties for those not wearing a mask.
Later on Tuesday, Columbia City Council will vote on its own proposed ordinance requiring anyone aged 10 and up to wear a mask while out in public, whether in a public building, a crowded outdoor space, in a vehicle or even working in a private space. Failure to wear a mask would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or jail time.
The city of Greenville adopted its own emergency ordinance Monday requiring people to wear face masks in the city, including anyone working in a job that requires interaction with members of the public. Violators face up to a $100 fine, according to the Greenville News.
Cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina continue to rise, with thousands of new cases announced in recent days. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced at least 900 new cases a day for five straight days by Monday, when another 1,002 cases were announced. More than 700 people are hospitalized with COVID-related symptoms in South Carolina, The State previously reported.
In all, 25,666 people have been diagnosed with the virus since March, and 659 people have died.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends face coverings be worn in public in order to lessen the chances of spreading the disease though air droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or simply breathing while in an areas where they can come in contact with other people.
There is currently no statewide requirement to cover your face while in public.
This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 1:55 PM.
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