Collier County Commissioners are slated to consider extending the mandatory mask policy the county adopted in July.

The emergency order passed on a narrow 2 to 3 vote after passionate public testimony from people both for and against the mask policy.

The rule applies to workers and patrons of most businesses in unincorporated portions of the county and it's set to expire at midnight on Thursday unless officials extend it.

Business owner and outspoken critic of mask rules Alfie Oakes filed a federal lawsuit against the face-covering mandate last month, claiming it is unconstitutional. The Naples Daily News reports the county has not yet filed a response to the complaint.

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