(Columbia, SC) -- Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is declaring a state of emergency.
Though this does not mean a mask mandate is in place for the city, Benjamin is requiring face coverings at public and private schools and daycare centers in the city.
That means faculty, staff, visitors, and children over the age of two will have to mask up in those buildings.
This may lead to a legal battle as there is a proviso in South Carolina's budget saying public schools that require masks will not receive funding.