Athens Residents Divided Over Mask Ordinance

Some Think It's Necessary, Others Think It's Bad for Business

Across the entire shoals region.

Just this week -- athens city leaders discussed whether or not the city should follow in the footsteps of fellow north alabama cities -- and adopt a masking ordinance.

This comes as the limestone county had its first confirmed coronavirus-related death tuesday.

Waay-31s alexis scott joins us live in downtown athens after speaking with several people who told her -- it's a decision divided solely because of people's morals.

Alexis?

Here in athens -- some people said they are for a mask mandate.

Some however -- aren't fans.

Some worry it'll affect businesses in a negative way.

Mohamed alshaif, lives in athens "people will take it.

They can take it in a way where they'll get scared and they won't go out or they'll take it in a way as protection or in a good way," mohamed alshaif told me right now... since it's not required of hikm to wear a mask in the city... he doesn't.

Nats pop if you have one on the square saturday night... a crowd gathered for a car show ... people were social distancing and few had masks on.

But several people like chuck gibbs told me it's because when there's outdoor events... you shouldn't have to wear them.

Chuck gibbs, lives in athens "it's outside.

You can do your physical distancing and all," mask-free... he and his friend john aufderhar showed off their car.

But in the back of their minds -- they were thinking about the effects an ordinance would have on businesses.

They fear people who refuse to wear masks -- will ultimately refuse to shop local.

John aufderhar, lives in athens "if it's a non-essential item, that you need, you may not go there just because of that," thursday was the first time athens city council first brought up the idea... and we were told they still have more to discuss on it.

But the city of decatur and madison county have adopted an ordinance.

Madison county is already in effect... while decatur's is set to begin on monday.

But -- people do agree -- if masking is what it takes to keep the economy going -- and avoid another state-wide shutdown -- it may just be worth it.

Mohamed alshaif, lives in athens "if this masking thing will prevent that from happening, that'll be good.

Instead of closing down businesses and affecting people's jobs and what they rely on... that's not right," right now it could be days or weeks before we hear anything new with the masking order... and because the division of opinions is so strong... athens city council wants to weigh all options.

Reporting in athens alexis scott waay-31 news.