OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Omaha's mask mandate will be in effect through at least May 25, with the City Council unanimously voting to pass an extension Tuesday. But there was discussion about changing who the mandate applies to.
Councilmembers Amiee Melton and Brinker Harding proposed an amendmentthat would change the age requirements from 5 to 12 years old. This amendment was ultimately reject by the council, with only Melton and Harding in favor.
“We wanted to make sure that those who were heard about wanting the mask mandate and those who are concerned about some of the mental or physical effects that it's having on some of our younger youth," said Harding.
Opponents point to variants of COVID-19 that are still being studied and say changing things could cause confusion.
“I think it’s important at this time to remain consistent with what is working and that people are used to and not to cause additional confusion," said Councilmember Pete Festersen.
Councilmember Vinny Palermo, who also signed onto the amendment, echoed Melton and Harding’s sentiments of wanting to talk about when the mandate should end. He says these decisions should have never even made it to the council’s level.
“For those who won’t come out and say it, I will: we have been failed with those who should have taken responsibility on the mask mandate and those who should be getting this vaccine out," Palermo said without naming anyone in particular.
When it came time to vote, Palermo was one of five to vote against the amendment.
While that change failed, many on the council say they want to provide a better answer to the question “when will this mandate end?”
“Maybe that is something we can agree on," Melton said. "'Tell us when its going to end.' And we should all agree to striving to have that goal.”
Council member Palermo wasn't pulling his punches today.
— Jessika Eidson KMTV (@JessikaEidsonTV) February 10, 2021
“For those who won’t come out and say it, I will: we have been failed with those who should have taken responsibility on the mask mandate and those who should be getting this vaccine out.” @3NewsNowOmaha pic.twitter.com/RFHdEpZX0y
Motion for the amendment to raise age requirement fails with only Melton and Harding voting for amendment. Motion to extend the mandate to May 25 passes. https://t.co/ysTHUNykE8
— Jessika Eidson KMTV (@JessikaEidsonTV) February 9, 2021
#BREAKING Omaha city council votes to extend mask mandate to May 25th
— Serese Cole (@seresecolekmtv) February 9, 2021
Council member Festersen speaking now. Says he won't be supporting the amendment to change the age. Says he wants to stick with what's working and not make the mandate confusing by changing it. https://t.co/ysTHUNykE8
— Jessika Eidson KMTV (@JessikaEidsonTV) February 9, 2021
Today the Omaha City Council will be voting on whether or not to extend the mask mandate to May 25. Two council members, Brinker Harding and Aimee Melton, are proposing an amendment that would raise the age requirements for masks. @3NewsNowOmaha
— Jessika Eidson KMTV (@JessikaEidsonTV) February 9, 2021
