Beaufort County Council members voted Monday night to renew the mandatory mask ordinance across the county.
The ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas of Beaufort County. For example, these areas include St. Helena Island, Sheldon, Okatie and other smaller areas within the county limits, but outside of a town or city limits.
County council previously voted to end the mandate on October 23rd but Monday night’s vote reversed the decision.
The renewed mandate runs until December 19th, and also eliminates two exemptions, for daycares and schools.
The Beaufort County mask mandate, first created in July is for anyone entering a commercial or public building, any businesses or employees interacting with people outside, and anyone on commercial transportation or taking local tours.
Beaufort City Council passed an extension of its mask/face covering emergency ordinance at its regular meeting on October 13th.
In the city limits, masks will be required until December 11th in buildings that can be accessed by the public, including shops, offices, restaurants, etc. The ordinance requires that employees and the public wear masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, unless there is a medical reason that prevents someone from wearing a mask.
