WEST FARGO, N.D. (KELO.com) – West Fargo is now the third city in North Dakota to have a new mask strategy. City commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the city’s COVID-19 plan in a special meeting Wednesday night. It took effect immediately.
Members who voted for the plan made it clear this is not a mandate as there is no fine or enforcement for violating the recommendation.
Under the requirement, masks are recommended for everyone in West Fargo indoors and outdoors around non-household members and when someone is unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance. There are 10 exemptions, including those under school age and those with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face mask.
Commissioner Eric Gjerdevig said based on public feedback, there is no consensus, but he supports the mask strategy. “It’s time to start listening to the medical community instead of all the armchair quarterbacks out there citing unclaimed sources about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of masks,” He said. He said the overwhelming message from the medical community is that masks will decrease the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Bernie Dardis said while everyone is split on the issue, there’s only one way to go if the COVID-19 cases continue to increase..” all essential businesses will once again close.” Dardis said, “this is kind of a last alternative” and this is an “urgent recommendation to use a mask.
Commissioner Mandy George was the only dissenting vote. She said the mandate won’t change anything. She said people that choose to wear masks will and the others won’t. She calls it “only a strong suggestion” and that wearing a mask should be a personal decision.
(Courtesy WFGO-Radio in Fargo)
