Yemassee Town Council voted to extend its mask ordinance. What to know
Yemassee Town Council voted to extend its face mask requirement through mid-November, meaning all of Beaufort County is still under some sort of mask mandate.
Three voted in favor — Mayor Colin Moore and councilmembers Peggy Bing-O’Banner and Alfred Washington. Councilman Chuckie Simmons opposed the extension. All councilmembers voted the same way in July when the original ordinance passed.
Councilwoman Michelle Hagan was absent from both meetings.
The ordinance was created to combat the spread of COVID-19. It requires anyone entering a building open to the public to wear a face covering. It also requires employees to wear masks in areas open to the public. There are exceptions for children younger than 8 and those who can’t safely wear a mask because of a health condition.
Violating the ordinance is a civil infraction that carries a $25 fine. Businesses with repeat violations could have occupancy permits or businesses licenses suspended or revoked.
The ordinance, which replaces the original law that expires this weekend, goes into effect noon Saturday and will last 61 days or until the council passes another ordinance.
