COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Friday that he would not impose a statewide requirement to wear masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.
McMaster did strongly urge people to wear masks though.
“Wear our mask, wear our mask, wear our mask,” McMaster said. “This is a dangerous deadly disease. You got to follow the rules. Wear a mask.”
But despite the request from the governor, Channel 9 didn’t see many people wearing masks in the Fort Mill area Friday.
Many South Carolinians said they favor McMaster’s approach.
“I think they should leave it to the person if they want to wear one or not. You can’t force someone to do something like that,” neighbor Natasha Hoagland said.
But there were a few people who said they wouldn’t mind a mask mandate, as they know wearing a mask would protect others.
“Of course we feel safer but we’re really doing it for the rest of the community,” neighbors Alan and Leana Platt said. “Just being responsible.”
That same day, state health officials reported 1,273 confirmed COVID-19 cases and one additional death, bringing the state total to 30,263 confirmed cases and 694 deaths.
Health officials also reported 906 people currently hospitalized — a record-high daily count in the state.
Officials said six states are now requiring that people traveling from South Carolina quarantine upon arrival. Earlier this week, several cities across the state instituted rules requiring masks to be worn in public.
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