CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- , the City of Carbondale unanimously approved a face covering ordinance in response to a recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County.
"In the last two or three days, I've probably had about 20 to 30 text messages, phone calls, and e-mails about customers not wearing masks in stores," said Mayor Mike Henry.
Henry says he concerned about the community's health and safety.
"The university and the city is taking as many steps as we can to help stop the spread of COVID as our students return. And of course we want them back here in town, but we also know that age group is the demographic where the virus is spreading most quickly right now," he said.
Restaurants like Blend Tea & Crepe Lounge say 50% of customers wear a mask since the ordinance went into effect.
"They still will wear the mask, but if they don't want to, I think they still will do the same thing: they will just come in without the mask. Maybe they forget it or they just come in," said owner Ming-Wei Huang.
But businesses like Carbondale Cycle say customers have been following the order.
"Yeah, I've seen more than 90% wear them. Sometimes they forget," said owner Cho Aksomkroot.
Mayor Henry says he hopes people will comply and help reduce the spread of the virus.
"If we fail to enforce it properly and our number of cases keeps going up, the state governor will put us back," he said.
Those who violate the order could possibly face a fine of up to $750.
