Town of Port Royal extends face mask requirement, changes rule for children
The town of Port Royal extended a face mask requirement into September, changing an age provision for children ahead of school starting.
The mask rule is now in effect through at least Sept. 9 to coincide with a regular Port Royal Town Council meeting. Council members also raised the age of those exempt from wearing a mask from younger than 8 years old to younger than 12.
Anyone entering a commercial building open to the public in the town must wear a mask. Businesses must require employees to wear them when interacting with the public.
A violation could lead to a civil penalty of up to a $50 fine., though own officials and police are encouraging voluntary compliance. No written warnings or fines had been issues before Town Council’s vote to extend the ordinance Wednesday, Police Chief Alan Beach said.
Port Royal’s policy includes exceptions for people actively exercising and those who need to remove the mask when it’s not practical, such as singing or playing an instrument.
The city of Beaufort extended its mask requirement to Sept. 15. The rule requires masks be worn in buildings open to the public and that employees wear them in areas open to the public.
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster this week ordered that masks be worn inside restaurants, movie theaters, concert venues and spectator sports facilities.
