After passionate comments from folks on both sides of the argument, the Martin County Commission voted 3-2 to reintroduce a countywide mask mandate.

In Martin County, 15 deaths have been reported since the expiration of the mandate and the positivity rate is currently above the state’s recommended 10% threshold.

“I do not support another mask mandate,” said a pregnant mom of four who spoke before a crowded room of residents and county leaders. “Martin County is better off and we don’t need another mandate.”

Commissioners currently “strongly encourage” wearing masks but there’s not a mask mandate in place at the moment.

“Coronavirus hospital stays may be down but the positivity rate is still relatively high, which is why I urge the county to pass another mandate,” said a woman who read from a paper during the Tuesday meeting.

A public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance mandating persons to wear face coverings in public is on the agenda today.

At the Aug. 11 meeting of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, the Board moved to have a public hearing to consider an ordinance mandating face coverings in public.