Walhalla Police Issue Statement on Face Covering Emergency Ordinance
The Walhalla Police Department strives to provide a safe environment for everyone within the city limits.
As a part of that mission, we also work to enhance the quality of life by working with the public. So we wanted to clear up any misunderstandings in regard to the Face Covering Ordinance 2020-10.
In response to the COVID-19 virus and the risk it poses to public health. It will be required that any person who is within the city limits of walhalla to wear a face cover or mask beginning August 23 at 12:00 am unless the following exemptions apply.
• Children younger than 3 years old
• Persons with medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents wearing of masks (If questioned by police, simply say it is because of medical reasons. Officers will not be asking you to reveal any personal medical information)
• Persons with religious beliefs preventing them from wearing a covering
• Persons who are hearing impaired
• Persons whom wearing a mask would create risk to the person related to work
• Persons who are obtaining a service treatment involving the nose or face.
• Persons seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service.
• Persons complying with instructions from law enforcement
• Persons operating personal vehicle alone or with family. (we do not recommend wearing masks while operating a vehicle)
• While in an individual office space while members of public are not present.
• While engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, bicycling, or running.
• When alone or with family or household members, as long as it is possible to maintain distance of at least 6 feet from persons who are not household members.
Enforcement process:
Ordinance goes into effect 8/23 at 12:00am. Only warnings will be issued until 8/30 at 11:59pm.
Citations will be issued for violations beginning 8/31 at 12:00am.
Officers will be able to provide masks to those who do not have one prior to issuing any warning or citation. If any persons refuse to wear a mask, then a citation will be issued resulting in a fine of $25 plus court cost per offense.