Here’s how Conway City Council voted on face masks as coronavirus cases are spiking in SC
The City of Conway, SC became the latest Horry County municipality to approve a face mask ordinance as the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague South Carolina.
On Monday, Conway City Council voted in favor of an emergency ordinance requiring citizens to wear face coverings in commercial establishments deemed essential by the municipality, and the mandate goes into effect immediately. Under the ordinance, people outside are not required to wear a mask as long as they can properly social distance, city administrator Adam Emrick said.
The ordinance passed in a unanimous 7-0 vote. It included amendments to an initial ordinance that was voted down 4-3.
“This ordinance is planned to protect employees and customers,” Emrick said during the virtual meeting.
The mandate does not apply to religious establishments, though it recommends the use of face coverings during such services, and it also exempts kids 8 years old and younger.
“Now is the time that some action needs to be taken,” said Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy, who tested positive for coronavirus last month. “This is undoubtedly a public health emergency.”
The ordinance’s essential businesses fall in line with the state’s executive order, which includes grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies and other businesses. The ordinance states that the following circumstances do not require a face covering:
- a. In personal vehicles;
- b. When a person is alone in enclosed spaces, during outdoor physical activity, provided the active
- person maintains a minimum of six (6) feet from other people at all times;
- c. When a person is alone or only with other household members;
- d. While drinking, eating or smoking;
- e. When wearing a face covering causes or aggravates a health condition;
- f. When wearing a face covering would prevent to receipt of personal services;
- g. When a person is 8 years of age or younger.
Exemptions include those who cannot safely wear a face covering due to age or health conditions, anyone who cannot remove the face covering without assistance, and those whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a mask.
The ordinance calls for a fine of up to $25 for a citizen who violates the “essential business clause.” Businesses could be subject to a fine of up to $100 for violating the ordinance.
Blain-Bellamy, who supported both the original and amended ordinances, noted that Grand Strand Medical Center and other hospitals are nearing capacity, which could cause further problems in the future.
“I’m concerned that if the COVID keeps showing up at hospitals that when you or I have a heart attack or stroke, they are not going to be able to care for us,” she told council members.
The mayor also compared a mask ordinance to other government actions like traffic rules and requirements and vaccines in schools when arguing that it is not overreach.
“Is this government going too far? Absolutely not,” Blain-Bellamy said.
Council Member Shane Hubbard showed the most resistance to the original ordinance, which included more restrictions.
“I don’t think the government should mandate it,” said Shane Hubbard, who noted he wears a mask when he visits businesses. “I think the businesses should have the right to do it or not.”
Alex Hyman noted that it was a tough decision.
“This is something I’ve been extremely conflicted about since it’s been put on the agenda,” he said. “There’s not an easy decision.”
Meanwhile, Timbes and White were adamant about passing the original ordinance along with the mayor, though all three voted in favor of the amended legislation. Timbes urged city council to consider amending the ordinance to a stricter version soon.
“Current efforts are simply not working,” Timbes said. “The hospitals are begging us to do something to stop this surge. This may not stop it, but it won’t hurt.”
The adopted ordinance expires at 9 a.m. Aug. 4.
The original, more stringent ordinance was voted down 4-3, with Hubbard, Justin Jordan, Hyman and William Goldfinch IV against and Blain-Bellamy, Timbes and White in favor. Goldfinch jump-started the amendments to the adopted ordinance.
Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Georgetown and Horry County had previously implemented face mask mandates as COVID-19 cases spike in local areas.
The Town of Atlantic Beach also voted for a mask ordinance during its Monday meeting, while Surfside Beach will take up the issue in its 2 p.m. Tuesday meeting.
Cases of the coronavirus grew by 235 and an additional death was reported Monday afternoon in Horry County, health officials announced.
The number of cases in Horry County has reached 4,715 since mid-March, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. There have been 55 coronavirus-related deaths in Horry County.
DHEC listed 189 new cases for Horry County in its news release, though there were 235 according to its online map, which the health organization has said is the most accurate depiction.
Atlantic Beach OKs masks
Atlantic Beach Town Council also passed an ordinance Monday night requiring face masks be worn in all retail, personal service and retail establishments. All restaurants, retail and personal service businesses must require their employees to wear face coverings at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
While a business can’t force patrons to wear masks, they must place signage at all entrance informing customers of the requirements, according to the ordinance.
Exemptions include: any person who is unable to safely wear a face covering due to age, an underlying health condition, or is unable to remove the face covering without assistance of others, and any person whose religious beliefs prevents them from wearing a face covering.
Violators will be guilty of a civil infraction, punishable by fine of no more than $25. A second offense will warrant an up to $100 fine. Each day of a continuing violating will be considered a separate and distinct offense.
“I think it’s known worldwide that the best thing people can be doing is wearing masks, so that’s what we’re doing,” Mayor Jake Evans said.
This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 6:34 PM.
