Gov. Henry McMaster’s new mask order apparently doesn’t please everyone.

At least not Democratic Party leaders.

Republicans have said nothing publicly yet. The governor’s executive order Friday lifted mask requirement in restaurants and state government buildings.

Despite the change, the governor recommends masks in restaurants.

Lexington Town Council has voted to suspend the ordinance that requires individuals to wear face coverings in retail establishments within town limits. Suspension of the face mask ordinance was announced on Friday and was effective immediately, reported the Chronicle’s Terry Ward.

For weeks, more Lexington County residents have been seen going maskless in restaurants, businesses and public buildings.

The governor’s order also allows SC agencies to bring employees back to work full-time.

McMaster said the majority of South Carolinians will be vaccinated and infections and hospitalizations have dropped significantly.

SC Republicans appear to approve of the decision. Not Democrats. The SC Senate Democratic Caucus made this statement:

“We are incredibly disappointed to see that Governor McMaster has rescinded mask requirements for restaurants, as the covid-19 pandemic continues to sicken and kill South Carolinians.

“To score political points, he is racing to strip away what few safeguards were in place to protect our state. “Under the false guise of protecting personal liberties, which were never being violated, he is making reckless decisions. This is no way to lead in a time of crisis.

“To date, DHEC reports that in our state over 500,000 have been infected and over 8,000 have died.”