By Teri Knight, News Director
With a petition and a plea to understand the rules and enforcement, the Northfield City Council last night, was faced with making a decision as to whether or not they would “require” people to wear masks in public buildings or continue to “request” it. There were over 700 signatures on a change.org petition, however, a number of those were from out of city and state. It was started by local medical professionals, Todd and Joy Amunrud. Mayor Pownell stated last night, “I feel like not wearing masks is compromising our ability to move forward as a community, as businesses, as schools. Having a citywide mask ordinance in place, I think, would be hugely beneficial”. She added this morning there’s, “data showing it would be better for our economy in the long run, in addition to our
health. Some cities are already putting the ordinance in place. Duluth is about to do it, Rochester’s done it, Winona, Mankato”. There were two items regarding masks, the first was a resolution of support for the State, Governor Walz, to require masks inside all buildings where social distancing cannot be maintained. Pownell said, “hopefully the Governor will put it in place statewide because there’s a uniformity there, the ability for the State to take that position, I just think it’s better for all of us in the long run as people are moving throughout different communities”. The second was to direct Administrator Martig to implement the requirement within the City. C. Ness commented, “as someone who’s been involved in making hundreds, if not thousands, of masks, I support these efforts”. This motion would cover all indoor City facilities including the Liquor Store. Pownell stated last night, “I am leaning more toward not just city facilities”. Laura Meyers of Imminent Brewing wrote a letter in favor of wearing masks but wanted details of enforcement as well as some funding for private businesses for signage and disposable masks. The Council unanimously supports the Governor making that requirement and voted to allow Administrator Martig to work out details for the city itself. This will come back to Council July 21st. Martig and Pownell were in studio this morning. Their full interview is HERE. Additional supplemental information: City Council Supplemental Agenda Background Memo for July 7 2020 No. 2 final
Carleton requires masks in all buildings and some outdoor spaces
In the meantime, Carleton College faculty, staff, students and visitors were told they must wear a face mask on the Carleton College campus and in their other buildings at all times while in the presence of others or while in indoor public spaces (e.g., common workspaces, restrooms, hallways, stairwells, elevators, meeting rooms, classrooms, laboratories, etc.). Face coverings are required to be worn in outdoor public spaces when physical distancing of six feet or greater cannot be maintained. President Steve Poskanzer shared in late June that Cynthia Kenyon, an epidemiologist from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), carried out a thorough review and tour of campus facilities and provided guidance on health and safety issues should large numbers of students, faculty, and staff return to campus. Dr. Kenyon’s review indicated that there are achievable configurations whereby they could safely house and feed as many as 85% of their students. They are continuing to hammer out plans with staff.
CRWP photo contest
The Cannon River Watershed Partnership is holding a “Wonders of Water” Photo Contest to help their members and friends see how people in the region are social distancing while also having adventures. There are three categories Adults (21+), Youth (5-12) and Teens (13-20). CRWP will use submitted photos and stories on FaceBook, in publications, and on their website to show people how folks are having water adventures these days. Prizes include cool t-shirts, stylish bandanas (that can double as a cloth facemask), cider from Keepsake Cidery and beer from Imminent Brewing (alcoholic beverages available to winners 21+). Go to crwp.net for details. Submissions are due by August 31st.
