Statewide mask requirement would slow COVID-19 spread, DHEC epidemiologist says
South Carolina’s top epidemiologist said Wednesday that requirements statewide to wear masks would be more effective in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
“As we continue to witness the rise in cases, if we work at strengthening mask requirements one municipality at a time, I do feel like we won’t get to where we need to be quickly enough,” State Epidemiologist Linda Bell said during a conference call with reporters.
“On a statewide basis, it would certainly be much more effective if we could do something as soon as possible ... to get the adoption widespread across the state,” Bell said.
Bell’s comments came shortly after the Department of Health and Environmental Control reported nearly 1,300 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, and one day after Gov. Henry McMaster said again that he would not mandate people wear masks while in public.
McMaster’s reluctance to enact a rule — instead preferring to encourage people to take personal responsibility for their health and the health of others — stands in contrast to steps local governments are taking to enforce mask wearing.
The City of Columbia will require people wear masks in public starting on Friday. Greenville is mandating masks in grocery stores and pharmacies. Richland County is considering a requirement.
McMaster has opted against mandating mask wearing saying he has constitutional concerns about such a requirement. However, he has encouraged residents to continue to practice social distancing and to wear masks when in public. DHEC and McMaster share concerns that people are not wearing masks, social distancing or avoiding large gatherings like they should.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, on Wednesday mandated people wear masks in public.
Bell’s comments mark a shift in her messaging.
Since the pandemic hit South Carolina, Bell has repeatedly declined to weigh in publicly on whether she agrees with policy decisions to reopen parts of the economy during the pandemic, saying DHEC’s role is to provide data and information to McMaster.
However, recently disclosed emails show McMaster moved to allow restaurants to have indoor dining a week before DHEC recommended. His office had said restaurants would need lead time to staff up and order food.
DHEC also recommended barbershops and salons be allowed to reopen on May 25. However, McMaster opted allow them to open on May 18.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Statewide mask requirement would slow COVID-19 spread, DHEC epidemiologist says."
