West Columbia extends face mask ordinance

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West Columbia City Council has extended a face covering ordinance until May 1.

Face covering ordinances must be worn inside food service and retail establishments, hair and nail salons, medical offices and city buildings, among other locations. Businesses where masks are required must place a notice in a conspicuous place notifying the public of the face covering requirement.

The ordinance was extended during a special council meeting on Tuesday.

All city food service and retail establishments employees are required to wear a face covering while having face-to-face interactions with the public or other employees or when social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.

Exceptions include persons unable to wear a face covering because of a health condition, 10 years of age or under (unless in a restaurant, where the age requirement is 2 years), and in a private or individual office.  

Retail establishments able to isolate customers from employees and maintain social distancing may request a waiver in writing from the city.

Violations are a civil infraction and will result in a fine of not more than $25 for each violation.