Waterloo Times

The City of Waterloo is now under a mask mandate as its city council recently passed a resolution requiring the use of face coverings in public settings. 

Resolution 2020-623 went into effect on Aug. 18 and will remain in effect for six weeks with the possibility of being extended, according to a city press release. The resolution states "every person in the City of Waterloo" is required to wear a face covering in public if they are not able to practice social distancing. 

The resolution also allows for exceptions to the face coverings while exercising, eating or drinking while sitting at a restaurant or during any service requiring a "temporary removal" of a face covering, according to the city's release. 

The city is also requesting that local businesses put out signs at the entrances to their establishments notifying customers about the mask mandate resolution. 

The face covering requirement does not pertain to those under two years of age, those on oxygen, or a ventilator and anyone told not wear a mask by a "medical, legal or behavioral health professional." Law enforcement personnel, firefighters and emergency medical personnel are also exempt from the mask mandate, according to the city.