City of York to consider mask requirement in public amid coronavirus. Will it pass?
The city of York will consider a mask requirement during the coronavirus pandemic at its meeting Tuesday, according to officials and an agenda for the meeting.
If York were to pass a mask mandate, it would be the first city or town in York County to pass a requirement that people wear masks in public.
The discussion will be about emergency measures concerning COVID-19 and wearing masks in public areas, said York City Manager Seth Duncan.
“No decision has been made,” Duncan said Wednesday. “The council will discuss the issue on Tuesday.”
The meeting is public and can be attended in person or using Facebook Live on the city’s Facebook page. Anyone who attends the meeting must wear a mask and social distancing measures will be followed, so seating in council chambers will be limited, Duncan said.
Duncan said he sent council members information packets Wednesday that include potential emergency measures that have been used by other cities as provided by the S.C. Municipal Association. The length of a requirement could be 30-61 days if emergency measures are enacted, Duncan said.
City Council member Steve Love has pushed for weeks to have a mask requirement passed in both the city and York County. Under South Carolina law, counties and municipalities have to pass separate mask requirements.
York City Council member Denise Lowry said Wednesday she supports a mask requirement in the city and plans to support an emergency measure at Tuesday’s meeting.
“I do believe at this time masks are necessary,” Lowry said.
Residents who want to comment on a possible mask requirement can address the council at the meeting Tuesday, or by email, call or drop comments at city hall.
York Mayor Michael Fuesser has so far pushed for voluntary mask usage, but he has not voiced support for a requirement.
York County Council member William “Bump” Roddey has pushed for a county mask mandate in public places, and has asked towns and cities inside York County to consider adopting something similar.
The city of Chester in Chester County passed a mask requirement Monday that lasts for 61 days.
