Charleston joins other South Carolina cities requiring masks. Here are the details
Charleston is the latest of South Carolina’s biggest cities to require face masks in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Cases of the virus have been hitting record highs in the Holy City and across the state in recent weeks.
Charleston city leaders followed Columbia and Greenville in requiring masks in public areas. Elected officials in other areas, including Hilton Head, Mount Pleasant and Edisto Beach, are considering their own mask requirements.
The new rule goes into effect July 1 and will last for 60 days, unless the city council decides to end it earlier.
People who violate the mask ordinance could be fined $50. But, the city said in a press release, the new rule “will be enforced primarily via educational efforts by civilian officers with the city’s Livability Department.”
People will have to wear a mask at most times when out in public, including in any building open to the public and in any public areas and open spaces where people are not at least 6 feet apart.
Children under 10 are not required to wear masks, but adults should try to make children ages 2 through 10 to wear face masks when they are in stores and restaurants,
People do not have to wear a face covering when they are driving in their personal vehicle, or actively drinking, eating or smoking. Masks are also not required in outdoor areas for retail stores or restaurants when people are staying 6 feet apart.
South Carolina’s attorney general recently issued an opinion that says cities and towns are allowed to enact their own face mask requirements.
The daily reports on positive COVID-19 tests from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control show cases continue to rise, with more than 1,000 new cases a day.
