Other Midlands cities consider requiring face masks, following Columbia’s lead
Editor’s note: a previous version of this story was incorrect. Cayce is considering a mask requirement, not just a recommendation.
The city of Columbia last week became one of the first in the state to require its citizens to wear face masks in public over concerns about the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state.
Now other Midlands cities are looking at following Columbia’s lead, but many are unsure how far they want to go in enforcing face coverings in public.
On Thursday, Forest Acres City Council will hold a virtual meeting at 1 p.m. to discuss requiring face coverings in certain situations. The five-member council will also discuss what penalties to impose on those who don’t don a face mask when required, according to the meeting agenda.
It’s not just cities considering a face mask requirement. Richland County Council will also meet at 6 p.m. Thursday to consider a countywide requirement, after the county conducted an online poll on the subject of face masks.
The town of Lexington will take up its own face covering proposal on Monday, but that ordinance would urge residents to wear masks without specifically requiring it or imposing a fine for violators.
“We’ve followed what DHEC and the governor have said, and if they passed one we would follow it, but since it’s not an obligation we won’t get into specifics (of where masks should be worn), especially since it can’t be enforced,” said Lexington spokeswoman Laurin Barnes.
Mayor Barry Walker of Irmo said the town council there will also be discussing a face mask requirement at its next meeting Tuesday, although Walker is opposed to requiring masks and says his fellow council members are evenly split on the idea.
“It’s nearly impossible to enforce, unless the whole region passes it,” Walker said. “I’m in favor of protecting our citizens, but it would be too much work for our police department.”
Walker said the council may adopt a non-binding proclamation on the issue, but he thinks “you should either do it or don’t do it.”
The city of Cayce is also considering a motion on masks and other guidelines at next Tuesday’s city council meeting, and a mandate is “not off the table,” said Cayce spokeswoman Ashley Hunter.
“When talking with many of our citizens and our businesses, we continue to encourage they follow all social distancing and safety precautions, including wearing masks,” Hunter said.
Blythewood Town Administrator Brian Cook has had informal discussions with town council members about masks, but the council doesn’t plan to formally vote on any requirements at this time, he said.
“We’re following the guidelines put out by the state, and also looking at what other jurisdictions around the state are doing,” Cook said.
Calls to the cities of Camden, Chapin and West Columbia were not returned before publication.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 5:30 AM.
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