The Mayor and Council for the City of Hinesville voted on Aug. 19, to implement a city-wide mask mandate due to the continuing spread of the COVID-19 virus. Assistant City Manager Ryan Arnold presented recommendations to the Council from a letter written by City Manager Kenneth Howard dated Aug. 5. Howard was absent from today’s meeting, still tending to a medical issue.
The mask mandate is effective Monday and will be for a two-week period, until Sept. 6, as they keep an eye on local COVID numbers.
The emergency order outlined face masks to be worn in City-owned buildings, hospitals, early childhood centers, elementary and secondary institutions, and when participating on guided tours and riding on federally regulated transportation.
It further encourages all persons entering any commercial establishment in the City to wear a face covering or mask while inside the establishment. This paragraph does not apply to religious establishments; however, the use of masks or face coverings is highly recommended during religious activity/services.
The mandate is requesting that all restaurants, retail stores, salons, grocery stores, and pharmacies in the City strongly encourage that masks be worn by their employees at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
Exemptions are made for people unable to safely wear a face covering due to age, an underlying health condition, or is unable to remove the face covering without the assistance of others.
Other exemptions were listed.
The Council also voted to suspend the issuance of assembly permits for a two-week period. Organizers of events that were already issued permits will be required to submit a COVID mitigation plan to show the City how they plan to implement safety measures to include the use of masks, social distancing, and proper hygiene.
After the two-week period the City and Council will make the determination on whether permits can start being issued or extend the suspension until such time when matters are safer. Should the COVID number continue to increase, the City might be forced to cancel already approved events, which was the original recommendation made by Howard in his letter.