Face Coverings Sensitive Topic in Westminster

The idea of mandating facial coverings proved to be a sensitive topic not only around the Westminster City Council meeting table, but among audience members, some of whom argued with each other outside the meeting room. During the public comment session inside the meeting room, the mayor and council heard stark differing views from a couple of the speakers. One local resident declared no one has the right to tell him to wear a mask. But Dr. Billy Campbell, Westminster’s only physician, says everyone should
wear a mask for common sense reasons. Campbell chided the mayor and councilmen for not wearing masks during their meeting…

Councilman Rusty Cater conceded that the elected officials might not be
doing all they should…

At least for now, Westminster likely won’t join Central and Clemson in mandating protective face coverings in public buildings. Councilman Reid Adams requested City Attorney Andrew Holiday review a proposed mask ordinance that would allow exceptions to a mask requirement. Those exceptions would include children, medical reasons, and those whose religious beliefs would cause conflict.
Thanks to Dick Mangrum of sister station WGOG for contributing to this report.