Ralston Health Board passes mask mandate; city council to vote next week
During an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon, the City of Ralston's Board of Health passed a mask mandate.
By News Channel NebraskaRALSTON, Neb. — During an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon, the City of Ralston's Board of Health passed a mask mandate.
Ralston's City Council still needs to vote on the mandate. The City Council will meet on Monday.
During the meeting, the Ralston city attorney said it would take multiple steps to implement a possible mask mandate.
- The Board of Health decides to adopt a mandate.
- The city council will vote to ratify or overturn board's decision.
- The city will make steps to amend municipal code so there can be a penalty ($25 fine).
The city attorney also said that if the mask mandate were to be passed and ratified by the board and city council, the mandate would go into effect Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Dr. Alex Dworak with OneWorld Community Health provided the board with information and studies on the impact of mask mandates.
According to Dworak, a mask mandate would help protect first responders as well as clinics, hospitals and families.
"It will keep first responders safer, clinics and hospitals safer, families and loved ones safer. It will answer the pleas of nurses and thousands of UNMC staff begging for help," Dworak said.