HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 176-21 - Resolution - Encouraging Pandemic Safety Measures
RESOLUTION
Encouraging COVID-19 Safety Precautions.
WHEREAS, in the time since the State and local emergency declarations ended,
infections from the Delta Variant of the SARS-CoV2 virus have spiked and research has
shown those who are fully vaccinated may become infected with the variant and may
transmit it to others; and
WHEREAS, this recent change has prompted both the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to recommend those
in areas with substantial or high transmission rates to wear a mask in public indoor
settings regardless of vaccination status; and
WHEREAS, Olmsted County is in a high transmission rate designation, per CDC
metrics; and
WHEREAS, many individuals with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, yet risk transfer to
others. Wearing a face covering reduces risk of community spread; and
WHEREAS, Mayo Clinic supports the wearing of facemasks in public settings. The proper
use of facemasks helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable adults and
children; and
WHEREAS, Olmsted County Public Health Services follows Centers for Disease and
Prevention (CDC) recommendations and supports the wearing of face coverings in public
settings; and
WHEREAS, on July 27, 2021, the CDC issued the following guidance on mask use:
1. CDC recommends that in areas of substantial or high transmission, both
vaccinated and unvaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor
settings.
2. People who are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease
may consider masking in all places, regardless of the level of transmission.
3. Proper masking is most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when widely
used by people in public settings.
4. CDC recommends universal masking for all teachers, staff, students, and
visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status; and
WHEREAS, Rochester is the Med City and has thousands of daily visitors here for
medical treatment. Rochester wants these visitors, many with serious underlying medical
conditions, to feel safe when they visit; and
WHEREAS, multiple highly effective COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after rigorous testing and data review. These
vaccine options have to date been highly effective in either preventing transmission of
COVID-19 to a vaccinated individual, or preventing the development of serious disease,
hospitalization, and death, of a vaccinated individual who does contract COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, to assure the effectiveness of masking in indoor public spaces, it is important
to couple the type of mask used with appropriate social distance as recommended by the
CDC for each type of setting. Individuals who interact with the public, particularly in
situations that involve prolonged and/or close contact, should consider the use of a well-
fitted N95 or KN95 mask. The use of “gaiter,” bandana and knitted masks have been
shown to be ineffective and should not be considered safe for children, unvaccinated or
medically vulnerable individuals.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Rochester
that:
1. The City Council finds that all meetings of City boards and commissions, as well as
City Council, be held by telephone or other electronic means, until determined by the
City Administrator and City Attorney to be practical and prudent to return to in-person
meetings. If technology infrastructure allows, a “hybrid” format can be used, allowing
some members of the public body, as well as members of the public, to appear in
person, so long as masking and social distancing requirements can be met; and
2. Consistent with the prior directive of the City Administrator, masking is required in all
City run facilities; and
3. The Common Council strongly recommends that ALL eligible individuals thoughtfully
consider taking advantage of a COVID-19 vaccination. The Council respects and
recognizes those who cannot or do not vaccinate, for medical or religious reasons;
and
4. The Common Council strongly encourages all individuals to wear a well-fitted face
covering, in public indoor settings, whenever feasible, particularly when around
children under 12 or medically vulnerable individuals.
5. The Common Council and City Administration commit to working collaboratively with
all businesses and organizations, particularly those serving youth or vulnerable
adults, and strongly recommends continued implementation of CDC and MDH
guidelines for current and future mitigation efforts that can effectively be taken to
promote safe environments. The Common Council appreciates steps that have
already been taken, and supports additional mitigation efforts voluntarily taken by all
individuals, and implemented by other governments, institutions, business and
organizations, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, particularly the Delta
variant, and create safe opportunities for vulnerable individuals to access the
business, services and programs.
6. The Common Council urges the community at large to respect individual business
requirements and continue to monitor and adhere to CDC guidance as it is updated
and changed based on local, regional, and national conditions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2021.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2021.
___________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)