Updates to the County's Face Mask Ordinance
NOV. 10: At its meeting Nov. 9, Richland County Council extended an emergency ordinance requiring face coverings to be worn by people 11 years and older inside most commercial establishments in unincorporated areas of the County.
Council first adopted the emergency ordinance in September following the recent surge of the delta coronavirus variant. The ordinance is set to expire Jan. 10, 2022.
Previous Ordinances
In response to rising cases of the coronavirus delta variant in the community, on Aug. 16, 2021, Richland County Council adopted an emergency ordinance requiring face coverings to be worn in school buildings and day cares to slow the spread of the disease. Because of a state Supreme Court ruling, Richland County said it would no longer enforce the ordinance as of Sept. 2, 2021.
Richland County Council previously adopted an emergency ordinance that took effect July 6, 2020, and required people over 10 years old to wear face coverings while in most public places. County Council extended the ordinance five times. It expired June 5, 2021.
Public Health Updates and Useful Links
From the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC)
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Updates on Mask Ordinances Nearby
Additionally, the Town of Eastover has reinstated its previous mask ordinance, while the Town of Irmo has not reinstated its ordinance.
When You've Been Fully Vaccinated
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tips for protecting yourself and others.