Charleston City Council approves ordinance requiring face coverings

At their meeting this evening, Charleston City Council approved an emergency ordinance requiring face coverings in public areas throughout the city of Charleston to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19, effective July 1, 2020.

The ordinance is a fine-only offense and will be enforced primarily via educational efforts by civilian officers with the city’s Livability Department. It will remain in effect for a period of 60 days, unless otherwise terminated.

Also during tonight’s meeting, City Council voted to extend the COVID-19 state of emergency currently in effect in the city of Charleston until July 15, 2020.

Additionally, several other emergency ordinances related to COVID-19 have been extended, including the temporary suspension of business license penalties.

The city’s temporary suspension of plastic bag ban enforcement has not been extended, and enforcement will resume on July 1, 2020.