OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Oshkosh City Council could vote on a mask mandate in two weeks time.
Council directed staff to draft an ordinance following a discussion on parameters Tuesday night.
“With freedom comes responsibility and I think that that’s what’s really been lost in some of the discussion tonight, some of the responsibilities that come along with freedom. We have a responsibility to almost 67,000 people,” Mayor Lori Palmeri said.
Students returning to UW Oshkosh was just one driving force for the mandate.
Council directed staff to have the proposed mandate expire in September after students return to campus. At that point, council would re-evaluate the need and could let the mandate expire or extend.
In initial discussion, council discussed several exceptions for the mandate.
Anyone under the age of 5
Health problems that would prohibit wearing a mask
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing
Safety concerns in a workplace
Those with intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions that would prevent wearing a mask
Council members agreed they do not want the police department to enforce the proposed mandate, but rather the health department. There was also a consensus for no punitive damages.
The next Oshkosh City Council meeting is scheduled for August 11th.
Comments