On June 19, the Cottonwood City Council voted 4-3 against an ordinance requiring masks in public buildings when social distancing is not possible. However, immediately afterwards, Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski announced a mayoral proclamation requiring the same, though without some of the enforcement mechanisms that the council had sought.
That proclamation was set to expire on July 19, but on Thursday, July 16, the city announced that the order had been extended for an additional 30 days.
“We appreciate the support we have received from the community as we work together to reduce the spread of Covid-19,” the city wrote in a press release. “We also extend gratitude to all of our healthcare workers for your service and dedication in helping to protect public health.”
Elinski’s second order however gave some exemptions for schools, as they try to figure out a way to reopen during the crisis.
“This Extended Emergency Proclamation and Modified Order shall not extend to any public or private school in the City, or to students traveling to and from school and/or school related events on school buses,” the mayor’s proclamation reads in part. “Rather it is left to the Governing Boards, Superintendents, Building Principals and/or other responsible officials of such schools to establish such rules, regulations, policies and procedures as they deem to be in the best interests of the children, teachers, staff and families they serve, as well as the larger community.”
Jon Hecht can be reached at 282-7795 or email jhecht@larsonnewspapers.com
