Coronavirus Updates: Savannah Mayor To Require Masks In Public Places

Envy Nail Bar prepared to reopen in April in Savannah, Georgia. The mayor of Savannah said Tuesday he’s ordering people to wear masks inside retail shops, grocery stores and other public places or face fines.

Russ Bynum / Associated Press

Updated Tuesday at 3:45 p.m.

The mayor of Savannah said Tuesday he’s ordering people to wear masks inside retail shops, grocery stores and other public places — and those who refuse could face $500 fines.

“Frankly and honestly, I do not believe that we have any other choice,” Mayor Van Johnson told a news conference, warning that “COVID-19 cases are spiking in our community.”