Midlands city will no longer require masks to be worn as emergency order expires
Another Midlands city will no longer require masks to be worn in public, as Forest Acres said its emergency ordinance is expiring.
The news was announced Tuesday, hours after Columbia City Council repealed its mask mandate in the neighboring city.
Forest Acres’ emergency mask ordinance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 expired Wednesday, spokeswoman Lynnsey Baker said in a news release.
“We thank you for helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” a message on the city’s Facebook page said.
Because the emergency order was not renewed, it means masks or other face coverings will no longer be required for those entering businesses, city offices, or any other building or structure open to the general public in Forest Acres.
Private businesses can continue to enforce a mask policy, according to Baker.
However, Richland District One’s mask mandate for its schools remains in effect.
Forest Acres Mayor Frank Brunson said the emergency mask order helped slow the spread of COVID-19’s delta variant in his city. Although masks will no longer be required, Brunson said he hopes the community stays vigilant in taking efforts to stay safe from the coronavirus.
“We are encouraged by the decreasing cases of COVID-19 in our area,” Brunson said in the release.
On Tuesday, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 382 new cases COVID statewide and two new deaths, and a percent positive rate of 4.3%.
South Carolina has reported more than 904,000 confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus and 13,898 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Brunson said the focus is continuing the reduction of COVID-19 cases, especially as gatherings are expected for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and more upcoming events.
“It is our hope we can enjoy a healthy and happy upcoming holiday season with our neighbors, family and friends,” Brunson said. “We thank the health care workers and first responders who have served our community at-large tirelessly throughout the duration of this public health emergency.”
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This story was originally published November 10, 2021 at 7:39 AM.
