Controversy Over Face Mask Mandate as Coronavirus Cases Rise

The Coronavirus disease has been a controversial topic for most of 2020. Issues about treatment, prevention, and economic impact have sparked many debates among government officials and citizens. The latest debate is the decision that some city officials in Georgia have made to make wearing a face mask in public mandatory.

On July 1, 2020, Mayor Van Johnson issued an emergency order mandating the wearing of face masks in public places. The decision came in the wake of a recent spike in Coronavirus cases after Georgia's reopening. At the time of this publication, there are now 116, 926 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia.

Although face masks are believed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some residents have resisted the mandate and deem it unconstitutional. Legal Assistant La'Ashley Tinsley is divided on the issue. "I can't say whether the mandate is necessary or not, but it might slow the spread of the disease", she said.

While there is no evidence to support that wearing a face mask will stop the spread of the COVID-19, the numbers show a significant increase in positive cases after Georgia's reopening of businesses following the recommended CDC guidelines.

The debate continues between government officials and residents over whether the mandate is necessary. For now, everyone must follow the guidelines given by Mayor Johnson. Tinsley understands that wearing her mask is something she has to do, "I don't like it but I comply out of respect for others".