The Bessemer City Council approved an ordinance on Tuesday to make masks or face coverings a requirement for all municipal facilities through October 5.

The requirement goes into effect immediately and covers all city facilities. Business owners in the area are not covered by the requirement but are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves, their customers and employees.

Mayor Kenneth Gulley has urged Bessemer residents to remain vigilant as COVID cases have increased recently in the state due to the Delta variant.

Mayor Gulley encouraged Bessemer residents who are able to get vaccinated to do so and to take measures to protect themselves and their families.