Mask mandates in municipalities throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties have been coming up for renewal or expiration since mid-April 2021. Hilton Head is the last to expire and is following the decision not to renew the mandate after May 16th.
As it stands now, businesses can still require masks indoors. If a business does not require a mask to be worn indoors, the decision falls on the individual. Many national retailers are continuing the mask requirement, while some local businesses have relaxed the regulation.
COVID-19 Mask Requirements throughout Beaufort County and surrounding areas
source: The Island Packet
| Municipality | Mask Requirements Expire | |
| Town of Bluffton | April 14, 2021 – In all buildings open to the public and on public/commercial road transportation, including tours | |
| Town of Hilton Head | May 16, 2021 – All commercial spaces | |
| Unicorporated Beaufort County | April 15, 2021 – In any commercial or public building, except for child care facilities, schools, churches, and gyms following social distancing; on public/commercial transportation, including tours | |
| City of Beaufort | April 30, 2021 – In all buildings open to the public and on public/commercial transportation, including tours | |
| Town of Port Royal | April 30, 2021 – In all commercial establishments open to the public, except when engaged in an activity that makes masks not feasible |
Even with mask mandates changing, the State Board of Education has a policy mandating masks indoors through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. This includes all Beaufort County public schools.