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Savannah approves emergency mask mandate; aldermen press for hazard pay options
Summary
The City Council approved Mayor Johnson's emergency declaration mandating masks with specified fines and exceptions and asked the city manager to present options on reestablishing hazard pay for front-line employees at the July 23 meeting.
The Savannah City Council on July 9 unanimously approved a mayoral emergency declaration that mandates wearing masks in public under enumerated conditions and sets fines (up to $500 for individuals and up to $1,000 for businesses, with courts determining penalties and first offering compliance). Mayor Van R. Johnson explained the decision was driven by a sharp rise in local COVID-19 cases and said the declaration includes specific guidance for trolley and walking tour participants and exemptions for medical conditions and children under 10.
Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely urged signage for tourists to improve compliance at City Hall and other visitor points. Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter and Alderman Kurtis Purtee pressed for reestablishing hazard pay for city employees who face heightened exposure, including Greenspace, sanitation, police and fire personnel. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz supported hazard pay; City Manager Pat Monahan said reinstating hazard pay would cost about $1 million per month and will bring options to Council on July 23.
The resolution to modify a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) promissory note to create interest-free and payment-free periods also passed at the meeting. The council’s emergency action includes enforcement guidance and a set of exceptions; Council members discussed testing availability and equitable access.
