I Support A Mask Mandate

On July 14, a White House report showed that Johnson County, Iowa, should close bars, limit gatherings, and “ensure that all business retailers and personal services require masks and can safely social distance.”

On July 17, Iowa reported 879 new coronavirus cases, the highest yet. The positivity rate also increased, which indicates this sharp rise is not just due to increased testing.

On July 17, Governor Reynolds issued a new proclamation, requiring that schools must prioritize in-person instruction, unless exempted by a waiver (with rules on how to obtain such waivers not available for weeks yet). This was a surprise to districts like the Iowa City Community School District that had already made the difficult and measured decision to provide online instruction to begin the year.

Also on July 17, Johnson County Public Health issued a memo to all municipal leaders in our county, which requested coordinated adoption of requirements for face coverings in public, and stated:

With schools and colleges planning to convene in the fall, with flu season approaching thus experiencing two major respiratory viruses simultaneously, and not yet to having a vaccine or knowing if immunity exists post infection, it is clear, the time to act is now. This measure must be put in place to keep transmission low, prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed, and protect our community members who are vulnerable.

I trust our local public health officials, and I trust the science that shows widespread compliance with face coverings will be as effective as a vaccine. I support my city council colleague, Janice Weiner, in calling for mandatory face coverings. #MaskUpIA