Facial coverings to be mandatory in Walhalla

Oconee County COVID-19 cases have dropped over the last week, but deaths have jumped.  And Walhalla City Council decided last night it’s time for action.  The city council voted to enact an ordinance to require everyone within the corporate limits to wear masks while in public spaces, in buildings, and where social distancing can’t be achieved.  According to Mayor Edwards, the law will be worth it if it saves at least one life.  Violators face the potential of a $25 fine for each occurrence. There are some exceptions, such as those people with medical conditions.  The vote was 4-2, with the dissenters questioning how the police can enforce mask wearing.  Chief Brinson expressed concern that the city’s small police department might not have sufficient manpower, and he told the mayor and council that his officers won’t issue a citation unless the officer witnesses the violation.  The mask requirement becomes law at 12:01 am Monday, August 24.  Councilwoman Sarai Melendez says she believes the community will cooperate in the effort to tamp down the virus spread.  Councilman Keith Pace led the discussion last night by giving his colleagues the following numbers from recent personal observations.  Pace said that in a grocery store, only four of out of ten people wore masks.  He was the only person wearing a mask inside an auto parts store.  And in a restaurant his server wasn’t wearing a mask.  Pace, however, along with Josh Roberts, cast the only no votes.  Roberts suggested the council table the ordinance and gauge how well the public schools deal with COVID-19 after they re-open next week.