2 additional Centre Region municipalities adopt enforceable masking ordinances
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, additional Centre Region municipalities have adopted masking ordinances.
Ferguson Township, a home rule charter, and College Township adopted emergency ordinances this week. Under the temporary ordinances, all residents and visitors to the townships will be required to wear a mask inside any public buildings — grocery and retail stores, service establishments and municipal buildings — and on public transportation.
Much like the legislation passed by the State College Borough and Patton Township, these ordinances are legally enforceable under the state’s emergency declaration, and will be carried out by local police. Those who are found in violation of Ferguson’s ordinance may be subject to fines. In College Township, those caught breaking guidelines could face fines between $150-300.
Face coverings are not required while in private vehicles and buildings, like homes or individual offices. People are not required to wear a mask when exercising — either inside or outside.
Neither ordinance limits gatherings sizes, but Ferguson Township is deferring to the order from Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, which caps indoor events and gatherings at 25 and outdoor events and gatherings at 250 attendees.
Ferguson’s ordinance is set to expire at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 9, but a public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 to enact a longer-term ordinance of a similar caliber.
The College Township ordinance will take effect Monday and will remain in place until the emergency directives are rescinded.
