Charleston Modifies Mask Ordinance

There is minor movement in the Lowcountry on the never-ending mask ordinance. Charleston City Council voted on Tuesday to extend the city’s mask ordinance through May 13.

The ordinance requires masks be worn in certain circumstances when six feet of social distancing from others cannot be maintained. An amendment to the ordinance strongly encourages masks to be worn in all public places, but does reduce the number of places where masks are required. 

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said this amendment is still requiring masks be worn indoors, but now strongly encourages they be worn outdoors. 

Harry Griffin, a member of the Charleston City Council, argues it's impossible to comply with the previous rules of the mask ordinance, and requiring masks under such strict circumstances “defies logic.” 

Other members said that with more and more people being vaccinated, they are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is time to remove the requirement.