Auburn mayor calls for masks in city limits
Mayor says medical providers asking for help to slow the spread of COVID-19
By News Channel Nebraska
AUBURN -- Auburn Mayor Dan White has signed a proclamation calling for face masks in indoor spaces in Auburn.
The mayor said the action followed meetings with Dr. Gary Ensz of the Auburn Family Health Center and Marty Fattig of the Nemaha County Hospital.
Mayor White said the medical workers are requesting help and he hopes citizens will do their part to help slow the spread of the virus.
White: “I realized they are coming to their ends with the coronavirus. They are working themselves thin. Their help is running short. We had to do something and I didn’t feel … I myself was ready for a mandate, so I came out with a proclamation.”
The proclamation stipulates that residents and visitors wear masks, except those under age five and those with medical conditions. People seated at restaurants and at exercise facilities are also exempt.
It is the third directed health measure issued by the city.
White: “We’ve always suggested the people wear masks, keep six foot distancing and wash their hands, but a lot of people … not a lot, but some people don’t believe in it, apparently.”
If people wear masks now there may be no need for an enforceable mask mandate
White
The mayor said the proclamation is different than a mask mandate because there is no authority to give tickets or warnings for violations.
White: “I think there is more pro-mask. I see a lot of negative, but all we’re asking is for people to wear them out in the public to help others. You don’t need to wear them in your house, in your car or your yard. We’re just asking, when your out in public, like if they are at a convenience store, if they are at a brick and mortar store to wear them.”
The Southeast District Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard lists 1,119 cases in the past 30 days and a pandemic total of seven deaths.
The positive tests the week ending Nov. 21 set a new high for the district.
White: “We just went through Thanksgiving, now we have Christmas coming and New Year’s Eve coming. If people don’t help keep it under control, I’d hate to see what it is going to be after the first of the year.”
The state Department of Health’s dashboard shows 896 active hospitalizations, down from a peak on Nov. 20. There is 32 percent hospital bed availability.
The proclamation takes effect until it can be reviewed at the Dec. 14 city council meeting.