LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Lincoln residents will be required to wear masks in public buildings starting Monday to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the city’s mayor announced Friday.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said the new rules will require anyone older than 5 years old to wear face coverings in public, unless they can keep at least 6 feet of space between two people. The rule runs through Aug. 31.
The directive doesn’t apply to people who are outdoors, exercising, eating or drinking at a restaurant or bar, giving a speech or seeking federal, state or county services. It also doesn’t include people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask.
The announcement came as Lancaster County public health officials confirmed 50 new coronavirus cases and one new death, the 14th so far in Lancaster County during the pandemic.
“Our fate is up to us and the time to act is now,” Gaylor Baird said, adding that she doesn’t want to wait until sick patients overwhelm local hospitals.
The mandate could face a legal challenge from state officials, who argue that they are supposed to make such decisions. Gov. Pete Ricketts has strongly encouraged residents to wear masks but refused to impose an order.
Some Lincoln-area officials have argued that they have the authority to impose such rules during a public health emergency.
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