Here is the wording of today's resolution:
RESOLUTION MANDATING THE USE OF FACE COVERINGS IN JOHNSON COUNTY TO MITIGATE THE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19
Whereas, the emergence of the novel virus, SAR-CoV-2, that causes coronavirus disease, COVID-19, can result in serious illness or death and can be easily spread from person to person; and
Whereas, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a national public health emergency related to dangers posed by COVID-19; and
Whereas, on March 9, 2020, the Governor of the State of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, signed a proclamation of disaster emergency for the entire State of Iowa based on the increasing number of persons in the State of Iowa testing positive for COVID-19; and
Whereas, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic; and
Whereas, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States signed an emergency disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act authorizing emergency response measures in all fifty states in response to COVID-19; and
Whereas, the most current local data relating to COVID-19 as provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health ("IDPH") show that the state and Johnson County continue to experience significant community spread of this disease; and
Whereas, as businesses, events, and other gatherings across the state have re-opened or are now allowed thus more people are traveling and gathering throughout the state and within Johnson County; and
Whereas, there is a continuing need to protect all residents and visitors of Johnson County, especially those who are vulnerable to being infected with COVID-19 and experiencing severe illness and or death; and
Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") recommends wearing a face covering in public where other physical distancing measures cannot be maintained to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from asymptomatic or unknowing carriers to others; and
Whereas, requiring face coverings to be worn by every person who does not meet exclusion criteria set forth by the CDC, or who was told by a legal, medical, or behavioral health professional, or in areas excluded forth in this resolution; and
Whereas, the following are defined as
- "Face covering" means a material that securely covers a person's nose and moth and remains affixed in place without the use of one's hands, whether purchased or homemade, and consistent with CDC guidelines
- "Household member" means a person who lives a majority of time with the person in their apartment, house, mobile home, or other structure intended for residential occupancy
- "Indoor public setting" means an enclosed area to which the public is invited
Whereas, this resolution is not intended to be punitive or stigmatizing and is in the best interest of health, safety, and economic recovery; and
Whereas, the Johnson County Board of Health and Johnson County Board of Supervisors strongly encourages every county in the State of Iowa to do the same; now therefore
Be it resolved by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors that:
- Every person in Johnson County shall wear a face covering when:
- In public as opposed to being in one's place of residence, when one cannot stay six (6) feet apart from others
- Inside of any indoor public settings, for example, but not limited to:
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Hardware stores
- Retail stores
- Other public settings that are not one's place of residence and when among persons who do not live in the household
- Outside, if keeping six (6) feet apart from others is not possible
- Using public transportation or private car service (including taxis, ride share, and carpooling)
2. Places and times where persons are exempt from wearing a face covering:
- While traveling in a personal vehicle alone or with household members
- While a person is alone or is in the presence of only household members
- While exercising at moderate or high intensity e.g. jogging or boking
- While seated at a food establishment and in the process of eating or drinking
- While obtaining a service that would require temporary removal of the person's face covering
- When federal or state law prohibits wearing a face covering or requires removal of the face covering
3. If a cloth face covering is chosen, appropriate use of a cloth face covering includes:
- A snug fit, but comfortable against the side of the face
- Completely covers the nose and mouth
- Is secured with ties or ear loops
- Includes multiple layers of fabric
- Allows for breathing without restriction
- Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
4. Persons who are exempt from wearing a cloth face covering:
The resolution passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
- Persons younger than 2 years old due to the risk of suffocation
- Anyone who has trouble breathing, or is on oxygen therapy or a ventilator
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a cloth face covering without assistance
- Anyone who has been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral health professional not to wear face coverings.