Palmetto State News

Even after an uptick in COVID-19 cases, state educators said they can't enforce masks after a recently passed law that prohibits any sort of mandate requiring face coverings.

Although a mask mandate can't be enforced, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control is recommending all residents wear masks indoors, even if fully vaccinated, WCNC NBC Charlotte reported.

The new guidance comes as cases are rising. 

According to WCNC, recent data shows, in the month of June more than 90% of COVID-19 cases and deaths were among those not fully vaccinated. 

"South Carolina has the most confirmed COVID cases since February | The State#COVID19Protect yourself and your family," Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said in a July 29 Twitter post. 

Since it is state law, there will not be any changes despite what public health recommendations may be put forth from various agencies and organizations. 

According to WCNC, the act of the General Assembly was signed by Gov. Henry McMaster, and since neither the SCDE nor Spearman has the authority to reverse it without legislative action. 

Issuing the executive order in May, McMaster prohibits schools, county and local governments from using COVID-19 state of emergency declarations to enforce mask mandates, according to WebMD.

“We have known for months that our schools are some of the safest places when it comes to COVID-19,” McMaster told WebMD in May. “With every adult in our state having the opportunity to receive a vaccine, it goes against all logic to continue to force our children — especially our youngest children — to wear masks against their parents’ wishes."

WebMD also reported that the order also stonewalls governments, employees and state agencies from enforcing a "vaccine passport" or proof of vaccination for South Carolinian's to enter a building or location or receive services. 

“Governor McMaster never ordered a statewide mask mandate at the height of the pandemic and he’s certainly not going to now," Brian Symmes, McMaster's communications director, told MSN.

According to Our World in Data, 40.8% of state residents are vaccinated. At this time, children under 12 are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. 

“Aside from the fact that a statewide mandate is entirely unenforceable, South Carolinians have been learning about this virus for over a year and a half now – they know what they need to be safe and certainly don’t need government officials restricting them in any way,” Symmes told MSN.