Hilton Head to consider mask requirement days after PGA golfer calls crowds a “zoo”

Hilton Head Mayor John McCann has called a special Town Council meeting next week to consider an ordinance that will require face masks to be worn on “certain parts” of the island, according to a press release sent Thursday afternoon.

“I believe it will help ease fears among residents of our community about contracting the coronavirus and how it’s being spread,” McCann said in the release.

The ordinance will be discussed during the meeting scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday.

The press released provided no details about the possible ordinance such as where the masks would be required.

The announcement comes days after Justin Thomas, an RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing golfer, said the island wasn’t taking coronavirus seriously.

“It’s an absolute zoo around here,” Thomas said Saturday . “There’s people everywhere. The beaches are absolutely packed. Every restaurant, from what I’ve seen when I’ve been driving by, is absolutely crowded.”

Town Manager Steve Riley said Tuesday, in response to the comment, that his hands were tied in implementing stronger policy.

“We’ve tried to encourage mask wearing, “ Riley said. “... It’s not clear we have the legal authority. We have no real enforcement mechanism.”

Yet, other cities in South Carolina, such as Columbia and Greenville, created laws requiring masks, the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette reported Wednesday.

Also Wednesday, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson said local government requirements for masks are legal under the Home Rule doctrine.

“Many people are upset about these ordinances and I can understand their frustration. However, just because you believe something is bad government does not make it unconstitutional government,” he wrote

McCann said in the release that he felt it was “crucial” for Town Council to discuss the mask issue after Wilson released his legal opinion.

He also noted other Town Council members are asking to “pursue a law mandating that face masks be worn.”

McCann also said in the release he anticipates Town Council will adopt some form of mask ordinance.

The meeting can be viewed on the Public Meeting Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TownofHiltonHeadIslandMeetings/) and the Town’s website (www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov).