The City of Avondale Estates Board of Mayor and Commissioners voted Monday, July 13 to adopt a resolution mandating the use of protective facial coverings or masks by those inside businesses and those outside who are in areas where social distancing is not feasible. The resolution was designed to address the need for encouraging safe practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution requires that while indoors, all customers, employees, and other users of restaurants, retail stores, and all other public places shall wear a mask or face covering. Additionally, face coverings or masks are for persons while outdoors in an environment in which people cannot maintain at least six feet of physical distance from one another unless the group is part of the same family household. The resolution, which is effective immediately, lists a handful of exceptions.

Reasonable Exceptions Include:

1. Children under the age of ten (10)
2. People who cannot wear face coverings due to documented medical or behavioral conditions
3. People whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering
4. While eating or drinking
5. When complying with the directions of a law enforcement officer or for the purposes of verifying a person’s identity

Warnings will be given as necessary, allowing the person or people without a mask the opportunity to wear one or leave the area. However, there are civil penalties provided in the resolution of $100 for the offense.