The City of West Columbia has extended its mask law another 60 days.

City council approved the extension at a special meeting Dec. 30. It also extended the Emergency Ordinance to Suspend the Normal Operating Procedures of West Columbia City Council Meetings.

Both motions passed unanimously during the virtual meeting. They will expire on March 2.

The vote came after City Administrator Brian Carter presented DHEC data showing West Columbia’s covid positive cases increased by 32% in November compared to October. Positive case numbers were up 47% in December.

That increase was about 20% lower than increases in other ZIP code areas in Lexington County.

Carter also said he has corresponded with Lexington Medical Center officials, and the hospital has been admitting more patients with covid recently.

Councilman Mike Green asked if there is some percentage at which the restrictions will be lifted. Mayor Tem Miles said there is no specific litmus test.

Councilman Jimmy Brooks suggested council look to other municipalities to see what they are doing in 3 months.

During discussion, Green, who voted to extend the mask ordinance, said there are many variables such as age, where covid data is involved. He also said numbers have gone up and down, regardless of the mask ordinance.

“I just don’t know how much longer we can continue on this path,” Green said.

Councilman Mickey Pringle said scientists say masks work. Pringle also said he is concerned that there is a new strain of covid.

Councilman Jimmy Brooks said he has seen the mask ordinance being ignored at some public places and questioned the need for more rigid enforcement.

Carter said police officers have investigated non-compliance and issued tickets.