Branson board extends mask ordinance indefinitely

The Branson Board of Aldermen last night voted to extend the city's mask mandate without setting an end date.

The vote keeps in place the extension passed last month after the original mandate was approved in July; the latest order was slated to expire at the end of today. While a specific date wasn't set for the updated mandate to end, the board can repeal it with a vote, according to a news release.

The ordinance passed yesterday cites a goal of continuing "to combat the spread of COVID-19."

The mandate requires the use of a face covering in public spaces, with violations that could result in a $100 fine and potential revocation of a business license and other permits, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

The city's July ordinance brought on a lawsuit by business owners Jamie Hall and Bo Dejager, who claimed the mandate causes harm to the tourist city's economy and infringes on individuals' right to privacy. It was dismissed in August by the Taney County Circuit Clerk, according to past reporting.