Cities, counties and groups across state calling for mandatory use of face coverings

Hunter
07/03/20

The recent resurgence of coronavirus cases in Iowa is prompting cities, counties and organizations across the state to demand mandates for face coverings.

The Muscatine Journal is reporting that Mayor Diana Broderson has scheduled a news conference for Sunday afternoon, where she plans to issue a mandatory face covering proclamation.

In Johnson County, Community Health Manager of County Public Health, Sam Jarvis, says face coverings protect people from the spread of coronavirus via droplets.

The Daily Iowan reports that Iowa City city councilor Janice Weiner is encouraging state officials to follow CDC guideline basics of social distancing, hand-washing, and wearing face coverings.

The grassroots organization Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement have started a petition urging Governor Reynolds to require people to wear face masks. Failing that, the group is calling on local officials to adopt the policy, even though Councilor Weiner says the governor won’t allow it. That petition has generated over 2300 signatures since it was launched on Wednesday.

Another nearly 300 new cases have been reported in the 24 hour period ending Friday morning.