Governor Kim Reynolds recently updated the state-wide public health emergency proclamation and lessened some of the restrictions within.

One of the important aspects was taking off the restrictions of requiring masks in public settings and gatherings inside restaurants and other businesses. Despite the change in wearing masks from the state public health emergency proclamation, two public Greene County entities are continuing their respective mask mandates. 

The Greene County Supervisors said during their Monday meeting that they will continue with their county-wide mask mandate until March 31st. County Attorney Thomas Laehn explains how the County’s mask mandate works in conjunction with the state proclamation.

“The governor’s emergency proclamation, even though it does not contain a mask mandate, that proclamation preempts municipal governments from enforcing their own emergency measures. It means that our county mandate remains a valid mandate, but so long as the governor’s proclamation remains in effect our mandate cannot be enforced.”

Laehn reminds the public that the county-wide mandate resolution has language in it that doesn’t allow for people who are found to be in violation of the local mandate to face any stigmatizing or punitive consequences. 

The Greene County School District has put out a statement on its social media sites that masks will continue to be required to be worn inside all buildings and while students ride the bus. Anyone attending an athletic or other event is also required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.