Springfield Police visited several area businesses Friday and Saturday night, conducting compliance checks related to the city-wide masking ordinance.

The department says all business followed capacity rules with the mask mandate and employees wore face coverings.

Authorities say no citations have been issued but officers will follow up to ensure that compliance continues.

You can read more with a press release below…

On the evenings of Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22, officers with the Springfield Police Department conducted masking ordinance compliance checks at several area businesses.

The focus of the checks is to ensure that businesses are following the necessary protocols, including signage, masking, social distancing and capacity limits, as well as making sure patrons mask up when moving throughout the business.

During the checks, officers witnessed a high level of compliance. All locations checked were complying with capacity limitations and employees were masked.

As Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams mentioned in a press briefing Friday, Aug. 21, there was previously confusion among patrons pertaining to rules regarding lines outside businesses. Those locations were closely monitored by officers, who witnessed a significant increase in precautions.

Patrons unable to socially distance while standing in line were wearing masks and some locations placed sidewalk stickers outside, encouraging social distancing and masking.

“As our community navigates this difficult time, we want to make sure our citizens are educated on all the facets of the ordinance,” said Chief Williams. “This weekend’s findings are an example of how education is effective. However, officers have the discretion to issue citations, and will do so if deemed necessary.”

No citations have been issued at this time for violating the masking ordinance, but officers will be following up to ensure compliance.