By Joshua Huff, sports editor
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham City Council unanimously voted during a special session on Friday to extend the city’s face covering ordinance expiration date to June 12, 2020.
The ordinance was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. The ordinance was first approved by the council on April 28 and went into effect on May 1, 2020.
The extension follows an increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the region as the state slowly reopens its doors to industry.
Special Called City Council Meeting 5.29.20
Special Called City Council Meeting 5.29.20
Posted by Birmingham City Council on Friday, May 29, 2020
“When you wear a face covering while you are out in public, that is an intentional act of kindness because you’re helping to protect those around you,” Council President William Parker said. “We can’t legislate morality, we just want our citizens to understand the importance of covering their face when they are in a public space. We’re all in this fight together. So please, let’s help keep each other safe while we are out there supporting our local businesses that are beginning to reopen their doors to the community.”
The penalties for violating the ordinance was also adjusted during the Friday morning meeting. Instead of a $500 fine or a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, violators will not be charged $25 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, $250 for the third offense and so forth.