Winona Mayor Scott Sherman announced Wednesday a citywide mask order that requires all Winona residents and visitors to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces, including city buildings and private buildings, and encourages the use of masks at outdoor events where physical distancing may be difficult.
Mayor Sherman will address the public and take media questions about the order at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2021. The conference will take place in the City Council Chambers and be streamed via Zoom and on the City of Winona Covid-19 Information Facebook page.
The order will take effect immediately and last for 30 days. The Winona City Council has the opportunity to extend or end the order at any point. The City Council will meet to consider an emergency resolution to extend the mask order duration on Friday, August 27, 2021. The meeting will take place in the City Council Chambers and be streamed via Zoom and on the City of Winona Covid-19 Information Facebook page. The City Public Meeting Calendar will detail the Zoom meeting information and time when it is set.
“As cases continue to rise in Winona County and surrounding counties, I have decided to issue a mask order to prevent the spread of coronavirus as schools re-open and we enter the end of summer,” Sherman said. “Masks allow our community to keep businesses open and allow our students and children to learn in a safe environment. The health and safety of all Winonans is of prime concern and masks, among other tools, help us to stay safe and healthy.”
Mayor Sherman also urged the public to be vaccinated, saying, “If you haven’t been vaccinated already, please call Winona Health or Winona County Health and Human Services to get your vaccine today to keep yourself and those around you safe.”
A mask, or face covering, refers to a manufactured or homemade cloth covering that fully covers an individual’s nose and mouth. Masks are available at public facilities, and private businesses are encouraged to have them available for free or for a nominal fee.
The order has several requirements for wearing masks when individuals are in indoor areas that are open to the public, including: Customers and employees of retail businesses; public transportation users; patrons of bars and restaurants when not actively eating and drinking; gym users when closer than 6 feet to another person; entertainment venue attendees while not seated; and more.
The order includes exemptions for those with medical, disability, or developmental reasons; children younger than 2; participants in youth sports; those who are dining; buildings not under city control like county and state facilities; and others.
Visit www.cityofwinona.com/354/COVID-19-Information for a copy of the full order and more details.
“We are not out of the pandemic yet and our respective actions matter. As we each make personal decisions it is also important to reflect on the impact of these on those we love, live with, work with, care about and come into contact with. Right now, masking matters,” said Rachelle Schultz, President and CEO of Winona Health.
The City will continue to support vaccination efforts in Winona and encourages all residents to become vaccinated. Other safe and healthy behaviors, including regular hand-washing, staying at least 6 physically distant from others, and avoiding hosting or attending larger gatherings, are encouraged.
Visit cityofwinona.com and facebook.com/cityofwinonacovid19 for regular updates on the city’s response to COVID-19.
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Zoom information for Media Session on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
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Meeting ID: 859 8886 8033
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Meeting ID: 859 8886 8033