Mask Issues Linger

MC officials grapple with ongoing COVID-19 challenges

Larry Chowning – 

At a May 5 meeting, the Middlesex County Board of Supervisors discussed a draft ordinance for wearing a mask in public in the event citizens do not adhere to a resolution recently approved by the board.

On April 30, the board of supervisors voted 3-2 on a resolution to suggest that citizens wear coverings over the mouth and nose in public during the coronavirus pandemic.

At the May 5 meeting, board chairman and Jamaica District representative Wayne Jessie introduced a “draft ordinance” for the board’s consideration requiring the public to adhere to a stricter ordinance.    

If caught three times without wearing a mask, the new draft ordinance fees are  much more watered down than an earlier proposed ordinance that required the wearing of masks and carried with it for non-compliance up to a $250 fine. Jessie suggested that the new ordinance should carry a maximum of a $25 fine after two warnings.

During the public comment period at the May 5 meeting, a Saluda Food Lion supermarket employee begged for help from the board of supervisors because shortages of food in the store have resulted in “campground people” confronting store employees with “hateful and nasty attitudes,” the employee said.     

The store employee said the store is having trouble supplying enough food for local customers and is being overrun with campers…