By Don Haney

FARGO, N.D. (KFGO News) – In a 4-1 vote, Fargo City Commission has approved a directive encouraging people to wear face masks in public.

Commissioner John Strand says he doesn’t want “mask police.” He says what he wants is “a community approach to a health crisis.”

The directive “strongly encourages” people to wear face masks in public when social distancing isn’t possible.

Commissioner Arlette Preston says the mask issue has been confusing but people get used to wearing masks.

The directive encourages private businesses to prohibit anyone without a mask from entering.

The commission did approve for masks to be required on mat buses beginning next Monday, August 3rd.

City commissioners say they will revisit the face mask directive every three months and adjust according to whether or not people follow the directive.