DeKalb County to issue written warnings, fines for violations of mask ordinance

Today, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved CEO Michael Thurmond’s amendments to the mask ordinance that commissioners passed on July 14.

The amended ordinance, which Thurmond asserts is “consistent” with Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order, requires DeKalb residents over age 8 “to utilize a face covering or mask which covers the nose and mouth when in any public place.”

A written warning will be given for first violations. Those who violate the ordinance a second time will be required to attend a virtual or in-person COVID-19 prevention class “to understand the public health ramifications of this crisis and appropriate public health responses to mitigate the spread of this disease.”

Anyone who fails to attend the class will be fined $250.

Thurmond said the amendments to the ordinance been put in place to emphasize public education in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Thurmond thanked Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson for authoring the ordinance passed on July 14.

“I would like to recognize and thank Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson for her advocacy and leadership in encouraging DeKalb residents to wear masks to protect the community,” Thurmond said. “We must do everything within our authority to stop the spread of this deadly virus. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, wearing face coverings or masks, maintaining social distance and washing our hands frequently are the best ways to protect ourselves and the general public.”

Additionally, the DeKalb mask ordinance contains a unique “conscientious objector” clause that exempts any person from penalty who swears in a written affidavit to be presented in court, that they will not wear a mask for health-related, religious or ethical reasons.

The county will distribute 20,000 masks to local brick-and-mortar small businesses which agree to implement a “No Mask, No Service” policy.

For the full text of the ordinance, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.