Bellefonte is considering a masking ordinance. Here’s what to know
Another Centre County municipality is considering what could be the fifth masking ordinance enacted by local officials.
Bellefonte Borough Council is considering implementing a temporary COVID-19 masking and social distancing ordinance at its Sept. 8 meeting. The ordinance resembles those passed in State College and Ferguson, Patton and College townships. If approved, those violating health and safety guidelines could face fines up to $300.
The proposed ordinance would require a mask when in public buildings and on public transportation, limit lines outside of businesses and cap gatherings in all housing types at 25 people. The ordinance also resembles and reinforces the July order from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine that expanded masking guidelines and includes specific exceptions to mandatory masking.
In July, Bellefonte unanimously passed masking resolutions that endorsed the state order. Though still taking an “education first” approach, this ordinance will be carried out by local police. Those found to be in violation could face fines up to $300.
Any business found not requiring employees to abide by the ordinance could be fined up to $400.
If approved, the ordinance will take effect seven days after its adoption and expire when the state Department of Health and borough rescind their emergency declaration.
Questions may be sent to boro@bellefontepa.gov. To call into next week’s meeting, contact the borough at 355-1501 by 3 p.m. on Sept. 8.
