Fargo leaders issue recommendation calling for residents to wear masks in public

FARGO — Fargo city commissioners approved on Monday night, July 27, a "directive" encouraging face masks to be worn by all people in public settings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The directive "implores" that residents wear masks in any setting where social distancing cannot be attained and when others are present. It would not be mandatory as is the case in Minnesota and some other states.

Commissioners passed the directive 4-1, with Commissioner Dave Piepkorn casting the lone dissenting vote.

Commissioner John Strand thought a mandatory requirement that the commission could approve through a city ordinance should still be on the table down the road if the virus becomes more of a problem.

However, he said he hopes the directive will "raise the bar and set a standard" for city residents to wear a mask in public settings where there can't be social distancing.

"We can show the world that Fargo has a heart and shows compassion to others," he said.

He compared it to the "no shirt, no shoes, no service" rule in many businesses and said there are many other laws that protect public safety such as stopping at stop signs, yielding and speed limits.

Commissioner Tony Gehrig said he wanted the public to know that it isn't a mandate as he said there is only "one curve" when it comes to the coronavirus and that is the hospitalization rate. He said that curve remains flat here and that masks would only "delay" catching the virus.

Commissioner Arlette Preston said research that is emerging suggests that masks are an effective way to help control the spread of the virus.

"The time to act is now," she said about wearing masks. She said many city businesses, which are already requiring their use to enter stores, were looking for at least support from city leaders on mask wearing.

Fargo-Cass Public Health Director Desi Fleming also said she also strongly encourages wearing masks in public with research now showing it also protects the person wearing the mask.

"I'm seeing a significant increase in people wearing masks in stores," she said. "I wish this was more about public health and not politics."

She said the only end to the pandemic will likely be when a vaccine is available.

The directive calls for residents to wear masks in places like schools, restaurants, offices, retail stores, private businesses and outdoor settings where social distancing of at least 6 feet isn't possible. Several area businesses already have such a policy, including Hornbacher's, Cash Wise, Menards, Target and many downtown businesses.

The directive states people who refuse to leave a private business may be given a "trespass notice" that will be enforced by the Fargo Police Department.

The directive also suggests wearing a mask when entering a restaurant or bar, with exceptions for people when sitting at a table eating or drinking.

The commissioners put more teeth into mask wearing for some city services and in city buildings with details to be finalized.

The first service to require masks starting on Monday, Aug. 3, will be city buses, to conform with Minnesota law that mandates wearing masks on public transit. Those not wearing masks could face a trespass notice and be banned from riding the bus, said Fargo Assistant Transit Director Matt Peterson.

The bus requirement is being put into place because the system crosses state lines into Minnesota and would bring Fargo into conformance with their laws.

Commissioners voted unanimously for starting the bus mandate. They also agreed to require masks in city buildings such as the libraries, City Hall and the Fargodome.

Piepkorn, though, said if he was walking through the hallways by himself in City Hall it would be ridiculous to have to wear a mask. Thus, the commissioners noted that the new city rules shouldn't be in place if social distancing is possible.

The city building mandate will be discussed further with city administration, the city attorney's office and human resources to produce a final plan by the next meeting.

The directive will be reviewed every three months.