JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The City of Jamestown has approved a mask mandate during a special meeting Thursday night. Councilmember Dan Buchanan was not present.

The council discussed the current temporary emergency measure that was enacted earlier in October for businesses and employees to wear masks.

Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says face coverings will now be required in all indoor and outdoor environments where they are exposed to non-household members and where social distancing of six feet or more cannot be assured.

Some of those exceptions include persons with medical conditions or disability, younger than school age children, driving a motor vehicle alone, consuming food or drink, and more.

Councilmember Dave Schloegel was in favor of the mandate, but believed there should be some sort of penalty for not wearing a mask.

Schloegel says it’s important for members of Jamestown to wear their masks and follow the mandate. He says the city should be ones to lead the charge in cracking down on those who don’t follow the mandate.

Councilmember Dave Steele added there are some things businesses can do to help enforce the mandate, including asking patrons to leave if they’re not wearing a mask or contacting local authorities.

Police Chief Scott Edinger says if a business calls them, they will investigate.

Edinger says they would inquire what the business policy is and more before taking action.

Steele added that if the public cooperates, the city has the best chance at this time to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Scholgel added he would be fine moving forward with the mandate as it is, but keep an eye on further steps that could be taken if the spread continues.

The council unanimously approved a mask mandate. Councilmember Buchanan was not present.

You can read the resolution below:

Jamestown Mask Mandate Resolution

Listen to the whole council conversation on the mandate below: