Hunter
08/05/20
The Johnson County Board of Health approved a resolution to require a face mask throughout the county at a meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The county’s Board of Supervisors passed a mask mandate last month, but county attorney Janet Lyness said that it was unenforceable, and said it would carry more weight if the county Board of Health enacted the ordinance.
The meeting only lasted about 45 minutes, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Public comment was divided among those who thought a mask ordinance would incite fear and feel social distancing isn’t healthy for society, and those who think that forced cooperation would help stop the spread of coronavirus.
The ordinance mirrors earlier ones that require residents to wear masks while in public settings, on public transportation, while riding in a private vehicle service, or in outdoor situations when social distancing is not possible. Violators could be charged with a simple misdemeanor.
Now that it is in effect, the Board of Health will present their regulation to the Board of Supervisors for consideration during a work session today and could approve the measure by Thursday.