DECATUR, Ala. – The Decatur City Council held a special called meeting on Wednesday to vote on whether or not to repeal the city’s mask ordinance. The council voted 4-1 to approve ending the ordinance.

“About 60 percent of the people probably told me they would like for this to be gone,” Said Decatur City Council President, Jacob Ladner.

Councilman Hunter Pepper said during the meeting that masks are similar to seatbelts. Pepper also said he doesn’t fully believe the science behind masks.

“I believe the seatbelt thing should be your choice. It comes back to masks, I believe wearing a mask should be my choice,” said Pepper.

Councilman Billy Jackson was the lone objector to proceeding without a mask mandate. Jackson told NEWS 19 that he recently lost two friends to COVID-19.

“We are not out of the woods just yet,” said Jackson.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday she is opening up more of the state with an amendment to the state’s health order.

The new “Safer Apart” order strips away the remaining mask requirements for businesses and individuals and instead encourages or recommends people wear masks, maintain 6 feet distance from people who are from other households, and frequently sanitize.

The order goes into effect Friday at 5 p.m. and lasts until May 5. You can read the full order here.