Mandatory Face Mask Order Extended By Birmingham Council

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The City of Birmingham's mandatory face covering was set to expire May 15, but the city council has extended the order through May 22. The council amended the order Tuesday.

While the ordinance provides an exemption for children under the age of two, it also clarifies requirements for children 8 years old and younger. Parents, guardians and caregivers of children eight years old or younger should exercise judgment regarding the ability of those children to consistently wear a face covering or mask.

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The ordinance details exemptions where a face covering may pose a risk to people:

• Working on ladders or at height
• Wearing other respiratory protection
• Heavy physical exertion
• Operating heavy equipment
• Working in an environment where a face covering or mask hinders communications

People should be prepared to put on a face covering when interacting with others, particularly in groups of 10 or more people or where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Exemptions identified in the original ordinance remain in place, including:

• Exercise
• People receiving medical or dental examinations
• Physical and mental health and safety reasons

Jefferson County has 1,157 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday evening, with 64 deaths from the virus.

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