Chester County Council dodges mask mandate, decides to ‘encourage’ them instead
Despite 14 COVID-19 deaths, 746 confirmed cases and the state’s first juvenile death, Chester County will not pass an ordinance requiring face mask use.
Instead, they will pass a recommend using masks, the county council decided Monday.
Council Chair Shane Stuart said during the meeting that the council also will utilize social media channels to recommend wearing masks.
While the city of Chester passed an ordinance requiring masks on June 29, the county council had not announced a decision of its own.
County council had previously voted to require all county employees to wear masks in county facilities.
During Monday’s county council meeting, Councilman Brad Jordan suggested passing an ordinance that would require Chester County residents to wear masks in public. He referenced SCDHEC statistics that show the county as having a “high spread” designation, at 564 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people. That’s higher than Lancaster and York counties.
Jordan also referenced South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s recommendation that counties pass mask ordinances.
Councilman John Branhem argued that this ordinance would be too difficult to enforce. He also cited several reasons people cannot wear masks, such as claustrophobia and medical conditions.
While he did not support an ordinance, Branhem said he wants to encourage Chester residents to wear masks whenever possible.
“Masks are definitely a good rule for combating the spread of the virus,” Councilman Joey Williams said, agreeing with Branham.
Councilman Alex Oliphant told The Herald he would not support a mask ordinance.
“You can’t enforce it,” he said, “I’m not even 100% sure it’s legal.”
However, he said he also believes masks help reduce the spread and should be encouraged.
Following discussion, Jordan decided to change his motion to pass an ordinance “encouraging” face masks instead of requiring them. The council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.
