SC cities are pushing mask requirements. Hilton Head and Beaufort Co. leaders aren’t
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with information about Beaufort County Council’s discussion about a county-wide mask program.
Not wearing a mask in public?
In Columbia, you can be fined up to $25. In Greenville, your penalty could be between $25 and $100. In North Carolina, you’re breaking the law.
But in Beaufort County, you may just get a dirty look.
While South Carolina cities and the entire state of North Carolina are ramping up the pressure on everyone to wear masks in public, Hilton Head Island and other Beaufort County municipalities have not passed any requirements during the coronavirus pandemic to wear masks.
Hilton Head and Bluffton have “encouraged” mask use by residents in public, but meeting agendas suggest neither has plans to implement a mask requirement.
Hilton Head’s next Town Council meeting is scheduled for July 21.
In the City of Beaufort, Mayor Billy Keyserling said leaders are discussing masks, but he sees no immediate action planned.
Beaufort County Council members are also discussing a county-wide mask policy, according to Beaufort County Public Information Officer Liz Farrell. The council’s next meeting is scheduled for July 6.
On 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. “Sometimes the remedy for a bad government action is not a legal remedy but a political remedy at the ballot box. I hope this helps people understand my position better. If I thought these ordinances were unlawful, I promise you I would be seeking a legal remedy.”
Other cities requiring face masks
The City of Columbia on Friday will start requiring masks for anyone in public and within six feet of someone else. Employees of all businesses will also be required to wear masks, The State newspaper in Columbia reported.
The City of Greenville on Tuesday began requiring face masks or coverings for customers and workers in grocery stores and pharmacies, Greenville News reported.
Officials in Myrtle Beach have also discussed requiring masks in public.
And North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced face masks and covering will be mandatory in public places starting Friday, The News and Observer reported. Children under 11, those with certain medical conditions and people exercising outdoors away from other people are exempt from the rule.
The Town of Hilton Head has shied away from passing mask requirements and limitations on short-term rentals, citing the lack of enforcement and threats of lawsuits brought by those who consider it government overreach.
Beaufort County has reported record numbers of new coronavirus cases in recent weeks, as well as two deaths this week.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 5:04 PM.
