The Decatur City Council on Monday approved a new ordinance requiring face masks to be worn in public.
Here are four facts to know:
WHAT HAPPENED
The ordinance passed on a 5-2 vote after Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said the surging infection spread from COVID-19 warranted significant measures to try and stop it.
The mayor said she sympathized with businesses like bars and restaurants that are "getting killed" by state-mandated lockdown measures affecting how they operate. But she added: "Yes, they are being killed but everybody is being hurt by this (virus). We have got to get our arms around this community and stop this virus — it's out of control."
THE FINES
Fines for individuals had been set at $50 and a maximum of $500 for a fourth and each subsequent offense, but the council voted 5-2 to cut the fine amounts in half on a amendment by councilman Chuck Kuhle. Fines for businesses were left higher, up to a maximum of $500 each offense.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
The ordinance says masks must be worn by customers and staff in any kind of shop or business, and includes buses, taxis, ridesharing and picking up food to go in restaurant drive through lanes.
WHEN IT STARTS
The mask ordinance took immediate effect after the council vote.
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See the ordinance as written:
Watch the council meeting here:
Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid
