Governor's Order Invalidates Greenville City Mask Ordinance

Press release from the City of Greenville:

May 12, 2021

The City of Greenville recognizes its emergency mask ordinance is no longer valid considering Governor Henry McMaster’s most recent Executive Order concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina.

Greenville’s emergency ordinance, first passed on June 22, 2020, and most recently renewed by City Council on April 8, 2021, required mask wearing inside retail establishments and personal services businesses.

In an order filed May 11, Governor McMaster said, “Based on the State’s significant progress related to the administration of authorized and available COVID-19 vaccines and the latest key indicators, metrics and data elements used to assess the measure of impact from COVID-19 as well as other circumstances described herein, I have determined that any remaining mandates issued by counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of this State related to Face Coverings are no longer necessary or appropriate to mitigate the existing public health threats and that circumstances are such that South Carolinians can make responsible choices and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their communities.”

The City will no longer require masks in outdoor event and venue settings, but encourages citizens to follow guidance from DHEC, including the recommendation to wear a mask when social distance can’t be maintained. The City is actively working with neighborhood leaders, community partners and DHEC to host vaccination clinics.

This press release was produced by the City of Greenville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.