City of York votes in favor of mask mandate. It’s starts today, a fine is attached.
It was a tale of two Yorks on Monday night on the issue of mandatory masks, with the City of York voting to require them -- while county council voted against.
York City Council voted 4-3 to require masks in retail and food service establishments. It’s the same 4-3 count that came with multiple prior votes, even as many in the city spoke out against having a face covering requirement to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“This has been a contentious issue,” said Councilman Jim Bradford, “both here at the council level and in our community.”
Yet, he said, council handled the mask decision in a civil way.
“I think that it can be fairly said that we have disagreed, maybe without being disagreeable,” Bradford said. “And that we all remained willing to go forward and work hard for the best interest of our community regardless how this vote goes tonight.”
The new mask rule began Tuesday morning. It carries a $25 fine, though the goal is compliance rather than penalty.
“Hopefully just getting out and talking to people at first will get the message across and have them comply,” said police chief Andy Robinson. Because basically what we want to do is eliminate or slow the spread of the virus, at least.”
Seth Duncan, city manager, said the city has an information strategy and they are asking if people need to call police, that they not call 911. Mask issues will be a lower priority call.
“We’re also right now still are identifying how we can enforce this,” Duncan said.
Some companies like Walmart already have their own mask requirements.
“This doesn’t supplant anything any corporate entity is doing to require masks,” Duncan said. “I think this just complements what those are already doing, and it would just be more applicable universally to all corporate entities.”
There will be details to consider. Councilman Ed Brown, who supported the mask requirement, sees how people can circumvent it if they choose. There are religious and health exemptions to mask usage.
“Anybody can come in and say, ‘well my religion...’,” Brown said. “I’ve been in the religion field a long time and I don’t know any religion that would not allow you to wear a mask. Medical, I can understand. Even with medical, that’s just a way out.”
Councilman Marion Ramsey voted against the requirement, but also put up his next month’s salary check from the city to pay for masks the public can use. The city will spend money to provide masks in some areas.
“Us being a leadership role, should help out,” Ramsey said. “If we feel strongly enough to pass the mandate, put up.”
The city decision is separate from a county decision that also came Monday night. York County Council voted against a countywide mandate that would’ve been in place for unincorporated areas. Members there said it should be up to business owners to decide what happens in their own stores.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 10:09 AM.
