Albany City Commission discusses mask mandate

(ALBANY, GA) – After Governor Brian Kemp announced that local governments in Georgia can pass mask mandates, the topic of one came back to the Albany City Commission.

With Albany being a hotspot for COVID-19 in the spring and case numbers not lowering, the mandate is up for a vote.

Looking at the city’s current case numbers, City Manager, Sharon Subadan says, “We’re holding steady, but we have not been under that hundred for quite some time, probably about three to four weeks.”

The mandate would increase the required areas for masks from just government buildings to areas of high foot traffic, though private businesses would be exempt.

Ward 4 Commissioner, Chad Warbington says that the mandate should also take current social distancing measures into account.

He told his fellow commissioners, “I think there is an exception when it says outdoors, it only says when you’re outdoors and socially distanced. But i believe there should be a socially distanced exclusion when you’re indoors.”

Despite stats and previous measures, other commissioners believe that a mask mandate would help to put the city back on the path towards normalcy.

“I think we need to show some leadership, and go ahead and pass this ordinance, so we can tell folks to wear their masks, you got to have your mask on so we can get back to normal, and get back to life as we know it,” says Ward 6 Commissioner, Demetrious Young.

The City Commission will vote on the mandate during a special meeting on Tuesday, September 1st.