City of Athens will not issue local mask mandate The state's requirement will end Apr. 9. Posted: Apr 7, 2021 3:43 PM Posted By: Ashley Thusius The City of Athens will not issue a local mask mandate when the state’s requirement ends Apr. 9. A statement from a city spokesperson, Holly Hollman, said “Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said Wednesday, April 7, he will not issue a local mask mandate now that Gov. Kay Ivey has rescinded the statewide mask mandate.” The state order does not require masks but says they’re strongly encouraged. “Our local businesses and organizations can follow state guidelines and make their own decision whether to encourage or require masks,” Marks said. “COVID certainly has not gone away although more people are getting the vaccine. We still need to be cautious and have personal responsibility.”