Members of the Ocala City Council have softened their controversial emergency mask ordinance.
The newest version of the ordinance excludes churches from the mandate that was approved on Aug. 12. That ordinance went into effect after Councilmembers overrode a veto by Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn of a measure that was first approved on Aug. 4.
The original ordinance called for customers and employees to wear face coverings in local businesses. It called for the business owners to post signs about the requirements for face coverings and to “ensure” customers adhered to the requirement.
The amended ordinance now says that signs at the entrance of businesses should “request” that customers wear masks. Business owners also are still required to make announcements to encourage the wearing of face masks.
The new ordinance also makes it clear that those claiming medical reasons for not wearing masks aren’t required to discuss their conditions or offer any explanations about their illnesses.
Business owners are subject to the following penalties under the ordinance:
- First offense – Verbal warning that includes education about the dangers of non-compliance.
- Second offense – Written warning.
- Third and all subsequent offenses – Fine of $25.
Guinn, who as mayor oversees the city’s police department, has said that his officers won’t be issuing fines connected to the ordinance. After his veto was overridden, he said officers would try to comply with the mandate but noted that that it would fall “extremely low” on the department’s priority list.
The softened ordinance was unanimously approved, even though Council President Jay Musleh opposed the original measure. Musleh has made it clear that’s he’s in favor of face coverings and has encouraged all Ocala residents to just “wear your damn masks.” On Tuesday, he said he wished Councilmembers were repealing the ordinance altogether but reiterated that he’s in favor of the use of face masks and will continue to encourage their use.