Sumter City Council passes mandatory mask ordinance to go into effect July 3

SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - Sumter’s City Council passed a mandatory mask ordinance Wednesday that will go into effect Friday, July 3 at 6 a.m.

The mandate says customers and employees of retail and food establishments must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth.

Council members said people who do not comply could be fined up to $50.

The following are some places where masks are not required, and exceptions to who has to wear a mask:

Outside or in unenclosed areas of stores and restaurants where people are social distancing at least six feet
Those with religious beliefs that prevent them from wearing a face covering
Those who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical or behavioral condition
Children younger than 8 -- though the ordinance urges adults with kids aged 2 to 7 to have their children wear a mask in stores and restaurants
People eating inside a restaurant (mask required while waiting for a table or ordering)
In private, individual offices
When complying with directions of law enforcement
In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering -- like going to the dentist or swimming
While exclusively with members of a family or the same household

City Council will revisit the ordinance in 30 days.

Read the full ordinance below: