More Midlands municipalities renew emergency mask ordinances during COVID-19 pandemic
Two municipalities in Lexington County renewed emergency ordinances Tuesday requiring people to wear masks in public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both the Town of Lexington and West Columbia extended the emergency orders about masks and face coverings in businesses. Lexington County does not have a countywide ordinance requiring people to wear masks to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Town Council in Lexington and City Council in West Columbia each extended the current orders for another 61 days, meaning they will be enforced until Nov. 1.
Lexington’s order would be suspended if the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control determines Lexington County has low coronavirus activity, according to the emergency ordinance.
As of Monday, Lexington County’s COVID-19 activity rate was at a medium level, where it has been for two weeks since decreasing from high, according to DHEC data.
The masks are continued to be required in all grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail businesses in Lexington that are open to the public. All employees at those businesses are also ordered to wear face coverings while working in areas open to the public and where other staff, and social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained, it says in the ordinance.
West Columbia’s renewed ordinance also requires masks in those places, specifying businesses that are food service establishments, retail establishments, hair salons, nail salons, barber shops, personal hygiene establishments, medical offices, and city buildings.
Anyone found violating West Columbia’s emergency order faces a fine up to $25 for the civil infraction.
Both West Columbia and Lexington allow for certain exemptions to wearing a mask. They include anyone who can’t wear a face covering because of a medical condition, people whose religious beliefs prevent wearing a mask, those working in private or individual offices, and for children under the age of 10 years old.
Additionally, businesses in both Lexington and West Columbia are required to place a notice at the entrance or a highly-visible place informing the public about the mask requirements.
DHEC has said masks have contributed to a decline in coronavirus cases over the past month.
Through Tuesday, health officials have confirmed 118,116 cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina, and 2,626 coronavirus-related deaths. In Lexington County, 5,818 positive tests and 136 deaths have been reported, according to DHEC.
In West Columbia, complaints about violations can be made by calling 803-939-8627.
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This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 9:40 AM.
