Norfolk City Council unanimously approves mask mandate Monday
After over two hours of listening to public opinions on the topic, the Norfolk City Council unanimously approved a mask mandate.
November 23, 2020Updated: November 24, 2020
By News Channel Nebraska
By News Channel NebraskaNORFOLK, Neb. - The City of Norfolk unanimously approved a mask mandate Monday, despite some push back from community members.
Several people opposed the ordinance during the public comment period at a special city council meeting.
As case numbers in Madison County surge, members met to hear from medical experts and from the public.
"A mask mandate for the city of Norfolk will be very beneficial to help drive these cases down until we can get an effective vaccine," said Melaine Thompson, E.R. Coordinator at the Elkhorn Valley Health Department.
As communities across the state approve similar mandates, officials say it was only a matter of time until Norfolk came to a crossroads.
"First, our hospital system is taxed nearing 100 percent capacity," said Mayor Josh Moenning. "Second our county, Madison County, is a COVID-19 hotspot, within a hotspot."
Several business owners and community members voiced their concerns.
Ultimately after hours of discussion, the ordinance passed unanimously. The mandate will start Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
Violations come with a 25 dollar fine. But police say the last thing they want is to be heavy-handed.
"The intent is to get voluntary compliance and educate people along the way," said Norfolk Police Chief Don Miller."
The mandate lasts until February 16, though the council may extend it.