Masks and face coverings in public places was approved in the form of an Ordinance by Seminole City Council in a special meeting Monday evening at the Reynolds Wellness Center.

This agenda item comes after months of consideration and debate.

The City Council voted 5-2 to approve the ordinance for the protection of the Seminole residents.

“For me it just came down to a simple question: Is defending our people the City Council’s job?” said Seminole Mayor Jeff Griffin. “When we get to a point that the healthcare system cannot treat our non-COVID patients we have to step in.”

“It is NOT about Democrat or Republican,” Griffin continued. “The primary concern is the health of our people.

“I think if citizens really read the Ordinance, a high percentage will agree it is reasonable. Those who are waiting for hospital beds would agree 100%.”

The City Council also took into consideration the ability of our Police, Water and Ambulance systems continuing to provide services with the infection rates increasing.

“You can run skeleton crews for a week or two,” said Griffin, “but, when so many are absent due to COVID-19 you simply cannot keep it up for months.”

The mandate begins immediately, will end on April 14^th , 2021, and will be reviewed monthly.

Until then, masks will be required while in indoor public spaces.

According to the Ordinance, the public shall wear face coverings while in any indoor public place. The face coverings should be:

• Snug on the sides of the face;

• Secure;

• Allow for breathing without restrictions; and

• May be disposable or non-disposable.

• Face shields are an acceptable face covering

Seminole City Council allowed for exemptions as well:

• Persons under 5;

• Persons working in offices who do not have face-to-face interactions with the public;

• Restaurant patrons eating or drinking;

• Persons receiving medical/dental treatments;

Other exemptions were noted and made part of the Ordinance.

“I applaud the City Council members who attended this meeting to cast a vote on such a critical issue,” said Mayor Griffin.

“I know each of them had the weight of the community upon their shoulders and each of them voted while understanding that both sides had valid concerns.”

On July 14, 2020, the Seminole City Council held a public hearing and considered taking action regarding setting safety protocols in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, but the divided Council did not second a motion to approve. Since the motion was not seconded or rescinded, it died on the floor.

The Ordinance will be published in its entirety in the Thursday edition of The Seminole Producer.