Brookhaven approves new face mask requirements
Brookhaven, GA, Aug. 26, 2020 – The City of Brookhaven approved a new local ordinance requiring the use of face masks in public places within Brookhaven to prevent the escalating spread of COVID-19. Under the ordinance, all persons are required to wear a mask or face covering while outdoors in an environment in which people who do not reside in the same household cannot maintain at least six feet of physical distance from one another.
“Since February, the City of Brookhaven has been taking a myriad of education and enforcement efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” said Mayor John Ernst. “With thousands of COVID cases being reported every day, we must continue to be proactive to ensure the health and well-being of the general public.”
Exceptions to the face mask requirement includes:
- In personal vehicles or upon residential property
- When a person is alone in enclosed spaces or only with other household members
- When the individual has a bona fide religious objection to wearing a facial covering or mask
- While drinking or eating
- When wearing a facial covering or mask would prevent the receipt of personal services or performing work in the course of employment
- When complying with the directions of a law enforcement officer
- Children under the age of ten (10) years
Any entity can opt out of enforcement of this ordinance by posting a clearly legible sign at all public entrances of such entity stating: “This location does not consent to enforcement of any local face covering requirement upon this property.” Any entity that opts out of the enforcement of this ordinance must also email the Brookhaven Police Department so that the Police Department can appropriately triage calls and complaints related to violations of this ordinance.
A person who fails to comply with this ordinance after being given a warning may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.00 on the first offense and not more than $50.00 on the second and any subsequent offenses.
“The goal is to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so we are trying to achieve compliance, not writing tickets,” said City Manager Christian Sigman. “The City of Brookhaven and its key partners such as the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce will continue outreach awareness regarding COVID-19 prevention.”
