Iowa City Mandates Face Masks Starting Today

Iowa City residents haven't yet seen a copy of Mayor Bruce Teague's Mandatory Face Mask Order, but he communicated the basics during a 12:30 PM announcement via Facebook Live and an email was sent out by the city.

Here is the gist:

Everyone in Iowa City must wear a face covering that covers our nose and mouth. Here are the exceptions:

• Anyone two-years-old or younger.
• Anyone with troubled breathing, who's on oxygen, or who's on a ventilator.
• Anyone who is unconscious or incapacitated or who cannot remove a face covering without assistance.
• Anyone who has been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral professional to not wear a face covering.
• Anyone actively engaged in a public safety role, such as an EMT, police officer, or firefighter.

Examples of wear one must wear a face covering includes, but isn't limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, retail stores, outside settings if you cannot maintain a six-foot distance from others, and public transportation and/or taxis and/or ride shares.

Businesses are required to post signs mandating face coverings at their entrances.


You don't need to wear a face covering if:

• You are alone or in the presence of your household members.
• You are traveling in your personal vehicle while alone or with household members.
• When jogging or biking outside.
• While eating or drinking at a restaurant.
• While obtaining treatment services from a dentist or doctor.
• When federal or state law prohibits a face covering.

This Face Mask Proclamation is scheduled to expire on 09/15/20. Iowa City Police have been instructed to treat violations of this proclamation as a simple misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor in Iowa is currently punishable by a fine of at least $65 but not more than $625 and/or up to 30 days in jail.

Update: Here is a direct link to Mayor Teague's Order Re: Face Coverings.