(Spencer)– The Clay County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve a regulation requiring residents to wear face coverings in public and when it isn’t possible to maintain six feet of distance between others in certain indoor settings. There are some exceptions, including places of worship and people who are seated at a bar or restaurant in the process of eating or drinking. Children two and under are also exempt, as are those with medical conditions that make it difficult to breathe.
The regulation goes into affect upon publication and pertains to all townships and incorporated cities, who could opt out by adopting their own ordinances.
The supervisors heard from both sides of the issue prior to voting on the regulation, which was brought to them on a recommendation from the county’s Board of Health. Spencer Hospital President Bill Bumgarner was among those addressing the supervisors prior to the vote, saying increased hospitalizations are taking a toll on resources and staff. A business owner who spoke in opposition said she feared the regulation is about “compliance and control”.
The regulation does not include any penalty for violators.
