WEST FARGO — In a 4-1 vote at its Tuesday, Feb. 16, meeting, the West Fargo City Commission approved extending its mask strategy through May 3.
City Administrator Tina Fisk said the city's former mask strategy, which asks residents to wear masks in public spaces and when social distancing is not possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19, expired Monday, Feb. 15.
The mask strategy does not hold a punishment for noncompliance. Fisk suggested the date of May 3 due to estimations from public health agencies that vaccinations may be widely available by April.
Mayor Bernie Dardis said he spoke with public health officials earlier in the day on Tuesday who requested the city of West Fargo continue its mask strategy to help combat the disease while more people await vaccination.
While Dardis said most businesses have continued to require masks, he said he has received photos daily from residents reporting West Fargo bars and restaurants not in compliance with requesting masks.
“Our compliance has been awful,” he said.
Commissioner Mandy George, who has continually voiced her opposition to any type of mask requirement, was the lone commissioner to vote against the extension.
"I am adamantly opposed to it," she said. "For me, it’s an overreach. I don’t like it, and I won’t support it."
"Again, it’s a mask strategy, it’s not a mandate," Dardis said.
Health officials have also asked Fargo leaders to continue the city's mask mandate, which is set to expire Thursday, Feb. 18. Public health experts said soon after local mask mandates took effect, Cass County cases began to decrease and have since fallen significantly. Coronavirus cases are arising in the county at a rate that is 20% to 30% below North Dakota’s other major counties, many of which allowed their local mask mandates to expire “prematurely."
Public health officials surveyed more than 300 bars, restaurants and coffeeshops in Fargo. Among 102 responses, 75% supported leaving the local mask mandate in place for another month, and more than 30% favored leaving the requirement in place for four months.
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February 17, 2021 at 09:00AM
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West Fargo continues its 'mask strategy' | INFORUM - INFORUM
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