County Board of Health passes resolution strongly recommending--but not requiring--the wearing of masks

Members of the Winneshiek County Board of Health have unanimously approved a statement saying the board "strongly recommends that all Winneshiek County residents and visitors wear a cloth face mask or face covering when in public."  However, the vote Wednesday afternoon stops short of saying the mask wearing should be a mandate.

Board of Health member and County Supervisor Mark Kuhn told other board members that he believes 99 percent of people in the county are now wearing masks in public, but some people do not because of phobias or health issues.

Board of Health member and Gundersen physician Janet Ryan said after hearing the legal process of the Board of Health passing a mandate, "I'm not getting a sense there's a legal leg to stand on."  However, another Decorah doctor, Dr. Kevin Sand, told board members COVID-19 cases continue to rise and "It's time to do something stronger."

Decorah City Council member Emily Neal spoke at the meeting, suggesting a countywide mask requirement would be a stronger action.  Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski told the board "We need a unified approach."

But after a lengthy discussion, Board of Health members decided to request voluntary actions by the public.  The statement they approved read in part, "Wearing face coverings is one way we can help to keep our local businesses open.  As our schools and colleges begin to reopen, the best way to keep everyone healthy and to reduce community spread in Winneshiek County is to encourage everyone to wear face coverings when others are around."

The statement concluded, "Wearing face coverings protects you, those around you and the community."