Just a week after Lyon County Commissioners chose to end the county-wide mask mandate, commission chair Rollie Martin says the feedback has been highly positive so far.
Martin spoke with KVOE News following the commission’s weekly action session Thursday and explains the county’s decision last Thursday was made from a logical standpoint.
While he reports that the majority of feedback, both by business owners and residents, has been positive for the most part, there have been some who are not pleased with the decision. Earlier this week, KVOE News reported that one local business was “frustrated” with the county’s decision saying it placed decision making for mitigation policies solely on the shoulders of business owners without any legal means to enforce said policies.
Public Health Incident Commander Renee Hively, during a COVID-19 update to commissioners Thursday, stated that several businesses have contacted them in the past week claiming they are “fearful” of enforcing mask use within their establishments. Martin responded to this by stating it is not the responsibility of the county to “micromanage” the decisions made by businesses.
During last week’s meeting, commissioners did discuss the topic of mask use causing division within the community amongst those who are pro-mask and those who are not.
When asked if she feels the county’s decision to place the choice back on the shoulders of residents could create more divisiveness, Hively stated it is a possibility.
Both Martin and Hively ask that regardless of their opinions on mask use, residents respect the wishes of businesses and adhere to their guidelines when inside of establishments. Hively went on to say that regardless of what a business chooses to do regarding mask use or other mitigation strategies they continue to monitor local metrics and adjust their strategies accordingly for the safety of employees and customers alike.
