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Manning City Council discusses mandatory face mask ordinance

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The Manning City Council held a special-called meeting to discuss Emergency Ordinance #2020-05 which would require all individuals to wear face coverings in retail and food service establishments. 

This ordinance would extend throughout the City of Manning. In all retail stores and restaurants, as well as any city-owned buildings.

This ordinance applies to individuals twelve years old and older. 

This ordinance would be in affect for 60 days. However, it can always be changed at a later date if council sees fit. 

Any person caught disobeying this new ordinance would face a penalty of not more than $25, and each day it happens after the first infraction would be considered a seperate infraction. 

"I dont think that we should place a fine for infractions this early," said District 3 Councilman Ervin Davis. "I believe that we should start with a verbal or written recommendation at the beginning."

This was met with an opposing argument. 

"I understand that point, but we need to make this serious for people," said District One Councilman Clayton Pack.

Nelson also commented on the fine. 

"If we are going to do this, we need to either do something serious and make it an ordinance, or do nothing at all," said Nelson. 

There was also discussion during the special-called meeting about the effectiveness of this new ordinance in restaurants. 

District Six Mayor Pro-Tem Sherry Welle brought the hazard of masks being left in restaurants by patrons who were required to wear them in. However, Nelson met this with the dangers of not wearing a mask while waiting to be seated.

"People are discarding of their masks on tables and on the floor in restaurants," said Welle. "Where do we draw the line on those dangers."

The Ordinance was tabled at the end of the meeting, will remain tabled until further notice.