Face of a woman wearing face mask looking sad in outdoor background. Copy space. Covid-19 concept
Despite many citizens objecting to a mask mandate due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Manitowoc Common Council voted to extend the wearing of masks in all City buildings through April 30 of this year.
Alderperson Courtney Hansen respected the input from Manitowoc citizens, but safety comes first.
“I think it’s really important to protect not only city staff, but also any citizens that are coming into city buildings,” Hansen told the Council. “I’m only on the council for a couple more months, but I plan on continuing to keep these safety measures in place for the remainder of my term.”
Alderperson Jim Brey spoke during Council discussion as well and said there is light at the end of the Pandemic tunnel.
“Today there were no reported cases by the Health Department, so that’s a good thing. Things are going in the right direction, so let’s continue that,” he said. “To say masks don’t work, it’s against our rights…to me it’s not the end of the world to wear this.”
The measure passed on an 8 to 1 vote, with only Alderperson Steve Czekala voting no.
Before extending the mask requirement, the Common Council approved several gatherings and special events in the City that attract large groups of people.
The events approved included; the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 13, Easter Sunrise services at Red Arrow Park for Faith Evangelical Free Church, and several “Movie and a Book” events hosted by the Manitowoc Public library and the Manitowoc Park and Rec’s division at Washington Park.
