The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely. It also guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government.
COVID-19 Enforcement Board of Health Rule (8/10/2021)
Section IV. Mask Mandate and Exceptions
Face Coverings Required in Public Places. The Board of Health enacts the following restriction on the operation of offices, business establishments, and other public places:
- Individuals must wear Face Coverings when indoors in all businesses, establishments, and public places.
- All businesses, establishments, and public places must require that all persons wear Face Coverings when indoors on their premises.
- Face Coverings do not need to be worn by someone who:
(1) Should not wear a Face Covering due to any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the Face Covering without assistance);
(2) Is under five (5) years of age;
(3) Is actively eating or drinking;
(4) Is seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;
(5) Is giving a speech or performance for a broadcast, or to an audience, where they maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from the audience;
(6) Is working at home or is in a personal vehicle;
(7) Is temporarily removing their Face Covering for identification purposes to secure government or medical services;
(8) Would be at risk from wearing a Face Covering at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;
(9) Has found that their Face Covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle; or
(10) Is a child whose parent, guardian, or responsible person has been unable to place the Face Covering safely on the child's face; or
(11) Is alone in an enclosed space, such as a room, office or vehicle.
Exceptions: Worship, religious, spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, and other activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights are exempt from all requirements of this Rule, notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule.
Anyone who declines to wear a Face Covering for these reasons should not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition. Everyone is asked to tell the truth and-if they are healthy and able to wear a mask-to wear a Face Covering so that they do not put other people at risk of serious illness and death.
Children under two (2) years of age should not wear a Face Covering.
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First Amendment
The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely. It also guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government.