A year ago this week, the first case of COVID-19 was reported to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). Sadly, one year later, cases continue to rise across the country. The 7-day average of new cases across our nation is 208,548, with 404,689 deaths. Here in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health reports (as of Fri. Jan. 22, 2021) 4,478 deaths in the state with 310,615 people testing positive. That is a significant jump from the numbers that were reported in early December. At that point, there were just over 3,000 deaths and 250,000 people tested positive.

Even though the vaccines are rolling out across the country and our state, with the staggering numbers reported above, this is not the time to let our guard down. That being said, the Cedar Falls City Council voted Tuesday night to extend the current Cedar Falls mask mandate resolution until March 3, 2021. According to a press release, "this requires anyone within city limits to wear a face covering in public settings when unable to remain six or more feet apart from others, including during the use of public transportation or private car services."

The Cedar Falls mask requirement does not apply to children under the age of five. However, due to the public health proclamation issued by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, masks must be worn by all individuals over the age of two when inside a public space for longer than 15 minutes, if that person is unable to socially distance.

Another important part of the mandate to point out is Section 2, that states "no business that is open to the public may provide service to a customer or allow a customer to enter its premises, unless the customer is wearing a facemask".

Every person in the City of Cedar Falls must wear a face covering when:

  • In public, when one cannot stay six feet apart from others.
  • Inside any indoor public settings, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, retail stores, city buildings, and other public settings when among people who do not live in the same household.
  • Outside, if maintaining a distance of six feet apart is not possible.
  • Using public transportation or private car services.

Residents do not have to wear a mask when:

  • Inside their own vehicles
  • Exercising
  • Eating or drinking while seated at a restaurant
  • Obtaining a service requiring the temporary removal of a face covering
  • When federal or state law requires removal of the covering.

Exempt:
Law enforcement, Firefighters, Emergency medical personnel, people with breathing difficulties or other medical or behavioral conditions

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