The Bemidji City Council has voted to enact a temporary citywide mask mandate for inside public spaces.

Mayor Rita Albrecht made a declaration that orders that masks are to be worn in indoor spaces. Three council members – Mayor Albrecht, Ward 1 Councilor Michael Meehlhause, and Ward 4 Councilor Emelie Rivera – showed support, with Ward 5 Councilor Nancy Erickson voting against the mandate and Ward 3’s Ron Johnson abstaining.

The mandate will become effective starting at midnight on July 21st, 2020. It is able to continue until either Governor Walz enacts a statewide order, Beltrami County Public Health recommends it is no longer necessary, there is an end to the State wide Peacetime Emergency Declaration, or the City council makes a resolution to rescind the order.

The council is expected to further discuss the mandate at their next upcoming session.

By — Betsy Melin