ATHENS-Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said Wednesday, April 7, he will not issue a local mask mandate now that Gov. Kay Ivey has rescinded the statewide mask mandate.
According to the state order called “Safer Apart,” the state is now saying “masks strongly encouraged.”
“Our local businesses and organizations can follow state guidelines and make their own decision whether to
Mayor Ronnie Marks
encourage or require masks,” Marks said. “COVID certainly has not gone away although more people are getting the vaccine. We still need to be cautious and have personal responsibility.”
Some city facilities may require masks because of the high volume of foot traffic, such as the Athens Police Department. Notices will be posted at entrances to let citizens know if masks or other restrictions are required in city facilities.
Seating will remain spaced apart for Athens City Council meetings and other meetings at City Hall.
