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BIRMINGHAM – Anyone venturing out into Birmingham will now have to cover their faces following the Birmingham City Council unanimously voting to approve an ordinance that orders all people aged 2 or older to wear face masks out in public.
The ordinance passed 9-0.
The masks must always be worn when interacting with people outside of their homes. The Birmingham City Council defined a face covering as, “a device to cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of saliva or other fluids during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other intentional or involuntary action. Medical grade masks are not required; coverings may be fashioned from scarves, bandanas or other suitable fabrics. The mask must cover the mouth and nose of the wearer.”
The ordinance pertains to all individuals over the age of 2; however, the face does not have to be covered during individual outdoor exercise, which encompasses walking and jogging, patients in examination rooms or if wearing a mask poses a mental health or physical health safety risk to the wearer (trouble breathing, incapacitated, among others).
The mask just needs to be worn when interacting with people in a public place outside of a home or a personal vehicle.
The fine can be up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in the municipal jail, should someone decide to disregard the order.
The ordinance will take effect on May 1, 2020.
