The Columbia City Council voted to extend their mask ordinance within city limits for another two months. The mask ordinance will now end on April 4th – unless the council votes to extend it again.
The Columbia City Council is also considering strengthening the consequences of individuals who do not comply with the ordinance.
During the weekend of January 23rd, over 100 citations were issued to individuals who were not wearing a face mask. Those citations carry a fine of $100, a fee that may be increased in the near future.
According to the ordinance, “…Face coverings which cover the nose and mouth shall be required in all public places within the City. All persons entering a commercial establishment in the City must wear a face covering while inside the establishment. A face covering must also be worn in situations where distances between people change frequently such as a busy sidewalk, waiting area, or popular outdoor area where it is impractical or impossible to maintain six feet of distance at all times…”
A decision on whether or not to increase the fine for not wearing a mask is set to be made during the next council meeting on February 16.