Athens City Council discusses mandatory mask-wearing ordinance

Athens City Council discusses mandatory mask-wearing ordinance

Total cases.

Athens is now the latest city to consider a mask ordinance.

Today - the city council met to discuss the possibility of putting a policy in place.

Waay 31's max cohan was at today's meeting - and joins us live with what came out of it.

Max?

Guys, as with nearly every city or county we've seen discuss a masking policy - there's a clear divide among residents.

In this case - the divide is strong enough that the city council decided it needs more time to discuss the measure before a vote can be made.

"in view of everything that's been said, i think it would be quite unfair for us to come to a rush decision about that this afternoon."

This afternoon a split crowd spoke before the athens city council.

Many felt a mandatory ordinance is far overstepping the city's power.

"what authority does the city of athens or any other state or local government organization have to infringe on the rights of healthy, law abiding citizens?"

"you don't have the right to mandate it for anyone."

But others are in support of the measire.

A coronavirus survivor says he wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy - and says we need to take whatever precautions we can to prevent the spread.

"i think whatever precautions -- i wear my mask, i'm told i can get it again -- anything i might still have it around one someone else.

And ill give you a testimony -- whatever we can do to prevent the spread of this disease."

Right now - the city council doesn't have a timeline on when a vote could happen.

But - mayor ronnie marks says he plans to sign an order tomorrow that would require city employees to wear masks at work.

Live in athens, max cohan waay 31 news.