Renner: More information needed before a mask mandate

Posted on August 12, 2020
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner. (YouTube/City of Bloomington)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Some places around Illinois have enforced a citywide mask ordinance amid the coronavirus pandemic. So far, neither council in Bloomington-Normal have imposed a mask requirement.

State officials have required face coverings in public spaces since May, but some local governments are now proposing fines for those who don’t wear a mask in public. Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said he would want more information if the city were to go that route.

“If we were to go down that path I would want to know what that would look like,” Renner told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “Do we have any evidence that it would help, what do we mean by masks, could you just put a piece of cloth over your mouth?”

“I’ve talked to council members and there are mixed feelings, but even if we had an ordinance it wouldn’t be much different than what we are doing right now,” said Renner. “We don’t issue people citations. But police give gentle reminders, like if there are more than 10 people assembling if they could disperse, same with masks in public areas and other social distancing issues.”

The mayor is encouraging people to follow the safety measures. He said the worst thing that could happen for the city is to move backwards in the reopening plan.

Meanwhile, in LeRoy the city council next week will consider a proposal requiring people to wear masks in public or they could face a possible fine.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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