Mobile Passes Mask Ordinance

The city of Mobile has passed a mask ordinance that requires the wearing of face masks in public places. Mayor Sandy Stimpson had requested that the council take up the issue. Council President Levon Manzie co-sponsored the ordinance.

The measure passed by a 6-1 vote. Councilman John Williams was the lone dissenter.

Those who violate the law will receive a $50 fine on their first offense. Second offenses will carry a $100 fine, as will all subsequent offenses. Those with health issues are exempt, as are those that are outside and social distancing.

The move on face masks comes as the country is facing a second spike in coronavirus cases. The current wave of infections has soared past the previous highs in March and April. Fortunately, the death toll has not risen nearly has steeply as the infection count.

Alabama is among the states facing a surge in cases. According to WorldoMeter, Alabama had over 1,700 in a single day this week. The nation as a whole has been averaging over 40,000 new cases a day.

Are Masks Effective?

The issue of masks has become political. Many view mask mandates as an infringement upon their freedom. Others claim they don’t work in the first place. Are masks effective?

A lot of the uncertainty stems from the fact that health experts were not sure how effective masks would be against the coronavirus in the beginning. Since the virus was novel, definitive statements could not be made.

Subsequent research has shown masks to be effective when combined with other safety measures such as washing your hands and social distancing. This includes simple cloth masks and not just surgical and N95 masks, which should be reserved for health care professionals. For more information, check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say on the matter.

What About My Freedom?

A common topic brought up in opposition to face masks is the infringement of freedom. Some even claim mandating masks is unconstitutional. While citizens may feel personally infringed upon, the law is not on their side.

There is a long history of government mandates to protect public health and safety. Laws against public intoxication are in place for many of the same reasons a mask ordinance is needed. They were designed to prevent people from unknowingly harming themselves or others.

People have also complained about businesses mandating masks. It has long been established that businesses can mandate clothing. Look no further than common “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rules. Dress codes for establishments like bars and night clubs are another example.

Will Other Cities Follow?

Now that Mobile has passed a mask ordinance many people want to know if other cities across the county will follow. Jefferson County has already passed an ordinance, as has Pensacola. Eleven mayors across Mobile County issued a joint statement endorsing the use of mask, but that statement fell short of a mandate.

The decision on masks shows the growing concern from government officials on the resurgence of the coronavirus. The virus is once again beginning to threaten the economy. The recovery from the first shutdown will be in jeopardy if measures are not taken to slow its spread.

Mandatory face masks are one of the easier ways we can help slow the coronavirus. We are already seeing the tougher next steps in some areas. Florida has closed its bars once again. The battle against the coronavirus is far from over.