Those Fearing New Allegheny County Mask Mandate Can Breathe Easy

PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County Council soundly rejected a proposed ordinance that would have returned mask mandates in the county through next April.

In a 10-2 vote council defeated the measure introduced by council members Bethany Hallam and Olivia Bennett that would have required masks at all indoor public gatherings and outdoor gatherings of more than 250 people. Single-family homes would have been exempt from the law.

Under the proposed legislation, those who failed to adhere to the mandate could be fined as much as $100.

Hallam and Bennett introduced the measure with mask mandates already in effect in school buildings across the state. Republican lawmakers are among those challenging that
Department of Health edict in court, however.

Hallam likely did nothing to advance the legislation by tweeting a photo of herself at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo during Sunday's Steelers-Bills game. She was maskless in the photo.

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