Lexington passes face covering law ahead of July 4 weekend

The town of Lexington passed an emergency ordinance on Thursday mandating people wear face coverings when patronizing businesses.

Lexington is the latest municipality in South Carolina to pass a face covering ordinance related to coronavirus, as state leaders have declined to issue a statewide mask requirement.

“The town council and the town of Lexington has determined, based on the recommendations of public health experts and responsive to a serious threat to the public health, and welfare of its citizens, that it would serve the public interest ... to require that individuals wear face coverings in certain situations and locations,” the ordinance said.

The emergency ordinance, which took effect immediately on July 2, requires people to wear face coverings inside grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail and commercial businesses open to the public.

Businesses are also required to make employees wear face coverings while interacting with the public and other staff, and to put up signage telling customers to wear masks.

The ordinance does not apply to outdoor or “unenclosed” areas where social distancing of at least 6 ft. is possible, or while receiving services or performing activities that would make mask-wearing impractical, such as swimming or receiving dental work. Exemptions apply for people who cannot wear a mask due to religious beliefs or medical or behavioral conditions. Children under 10 years old are not required to wear masks.

The emergency law also expanded the town’s existing water and sewer rebate program to allow more customers to be eligible for longer.