WINONA Minn. – Addressing a Covid spike, Mayor Scott Sherman declared a municipal emergency and issued an indoor mask mandate effective at 12:01 a.m. Sherman gave these examples: Restaurants, bars, stores, gyms, and other businesses. The mandate extends outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible. There are common-sense exceptions. Among them:
> When seated and eating seated at tables restaurants and bars.
> Persons unable to wear a mask due to a medical, disability or developmental condition.
> Children under 2.
How will the mandate be enforced? Sherman said:
> Violators will be asked to leave businesses.
> If they don’t leave, police can issue trespassing citations.
> Businesses that don’t uphold mandate risk their city licenses.
Sherman said that the mandate will be in effect 30 days unless canceled with the advisement of local health organizations; extended by the City Council; or if a state mandate is issued.
Verbatim
Sherman: “Masks allow our community to keep businesses open and allow our students and children to learn in a safe environment. The health and safety of all Winonans is of prime concern and masks, among other tools, help us to stay safe and healthy.”