Keep checking this page for more updates on the face mask ordinance.
General Info
Richland County Council adopted an emergency ordinance that took effect July 6 and requires people over 10 years old to wear face coverings while in most public places. This is in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, which has prompted Gov. Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency.
Read the County's Ordinance Requiring the Wearing of Face Masks.
At its Dec. 15 meeting, County Council extended the ordinance a third time. It is now set to expire in February 2021.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19. The agency points to increasing evidence that such face coverings help those who have COVID-19 from spreading it to others.
Mask Distribution Events
A Richland County employee hands out face coverings at a recent distribution event. The County is giving away the masks at various events in the coming months.
Richland County recently acquired and packaged about 67,000 disposable masks, which are being distributed at various sites in packs of two on a first-come, first-serve basis. Find information on these giveaways by visiting the Events page or the County's Facebook page.
Richland County Councilmember Allison Terracio, District 5, is partnering with Richland Library to distribute 2,000 face masks within her district. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2IORtAa.
Watch this page for more information on these events.
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
From the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC)
Local and Neighboring Ordinances