The governor's office is reiterating an order that masks are 'not optional' for employees who work in restaurants or businesses that have interaction with the public.

According to a report from KATC, spokeswoman Shauna Sanford says that there should be no confusion surrounding the guidelines set forth from the governor's office.

The order is perfectly clear: any employee who has interaction with the public must wear face coverings

Sanford did note that people who are diagnosed with medical respiratory issues are exempt, but should also "not be around the public" as they are at higher risk. She also went on to say that the onus is on the public when it comes to keeping the curve flattened due to the fact that their office can't "enforce our way out of this."

We need people and businesses to comply with these mitigation measures because we know they work. We really need individuals and businesses to work with us and help each other.

KATC reached out to the governor's office for clarity after a local Abbeville restaurant recently announced that their employees who were serving the public would not be wearing masks.

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There has been much debate surrounding the wearing of masks and their effectiveness. Some feel more comfortable wearing their masks in public settings while others find the entire threat of COVID-19 to be ridiculous, sometimes even questioning the seriousness surrounding the entire pandemic.

Regardless of opinions, Sanford says one thing is for sure.

Wearing a mask greatly reduces the spread of the virus, because it is mainly passed through the droplets that come out of our mouths when we cough, sneeze, talk, sing, etc.

According to Sanford, the governor has stated numerous times that "you should not patronize a business if you feel they are not taking necessary precautions to keep you safe" and also added that you should contact the State Fire Marshal's Office if you feel the need to register a complaint.

For CDC recommendations on masks and more information on how to create your own effective face covering, see the full story here via KATC.

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