Duluth City Council approves mask requirement ordinance

Monday night, the Duluth City Council unanimously passed a controversial ordinance requiring the use of masks in most indoor public spaces.

According to Hubbard’s sister station WDIO in Duluth, the ordinance will go into effect immediately. It requires masks to be worn where business with the public is done, or anywhere public services are given, including churches and nonprofit organizations.

Exemptions include those who are medically unable to tolerate face coverings and children under 10. City Council member Arik Forsman says if someone needs a reasonable accommodation for the masks due to a medical reason, they should work with the businesses. He adds that face shields are also included in the ordinance to help accommodate this.

Additionally, masks would not be required at restaurants where people are eating as well as schools, child care and fitness facilities with plans for compliance.

The city council also passed a resolution Monday night, imposing fines for businesses that don’t comply with the mask ordinance. The fines go as follows:

• First offense: $100
• Second offense: $250
• Third offense: $1,000
• Subsequent: $1,000