On September 8, 2020, the Cedar Falls City Council passed a mask mandate resolution, which will be in effect until October 21, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. This mandate requires anyone within city limits to wear a face covering (whether disposable, cloth or face shield) in public settings when unable to remain six or more feet apart from others.
The mask requirement does not apply to children under the age of five. Additional exemptions are granted for anyone who has trouble breathing, or is on oxygen therapy or ventilator. It also does not apply to anyone who has been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral health professional not to wear face coverings. Additionally, a mask is not required when traveling in a personal vehicle alone or with household members, exercising at moderate or high intensity, while eating or drinking while seated at a food establishment, while obtaining a service that would temporarily require removal of the covering, or when federal or state law requires removal of the covering.
For the full resolution, including additional details regarding the proper fit and wearing of cloth face coverings, visit www.cedarfalls.com/maskcf. The public may view video and minutes from the City Council meeting at www.cedarfalls.com/agendas.
“The resolution is not intended to be stigmatizing or punitive,” said Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green. “It is to express that the wearing of face coverings is essential to reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19, and necessary to protect the health, welfare, and safety of residents and visitors and to accelerate local recovery efforts. Residents are advised to wear masks in accordance with the mandate, but also to avoid public shaming or other harassment of others for lack of a mask. While businesses are required to comply with this mandate, residents should not take it upon themselves to try to enforce compliance. This is best addressed by law enforcement personnel through education about the mandate.”
For more information on the virus, including national resources and local announcements, please visit cedarfalls.com/prepare.