|
|
In what has been one of the most widely discussed topics in recent
months there have been many opinions and declarations regarding the
use of masks as a deterrent to the COVID-19 virus. The state of
Arkansas does not currently have an order from Governor Asa
Hutchinson that requires individuals to wear a mask in public.
Municipalities on the other hand have taken their own course on how to
handle the virus.
Just days ago Mayor Lioneld Jordan encouraged Fayetteville businesses to require patrons to wear a mask. A day later the Fayetteville City Council took it a step further and passes an ordinance requiring residents to wear a mask in most public places and penalizing businesses who failed to uphold the requirement. In the month of March sales tax numbers Fayetteville was flat with a .24% increase. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. signed an Executive order with the same requirement of wearing a mask in public places. On Thursday Governor Asa Hutchinson signed an extension to his Emergency Declaration which nullified the two orders put in place by the two municipalities by saying…
"The Secretary of Health in consultation with the Governor shall have sole authority over all instances of quarantine, isolation and restrictions on commerce and travel throughout the state. Cities and counties shall not impose any restrictions of commerce or travel upon citizens that is more restrictive than a directive or guideline issued by the Secretary of Health in consultation with the Governor."
Mayor Doug Sprouse of Springdale made his own declaration on Wednesday. Saying not only would he not bring forward a similar ordinance, but that he felt it unlawful and unenforceable and that his council would not support the measure. Springdale was up 7.3% in the last sales tax report. His message came shortly after Springdale Chamber President Perry Webb released his own message encouraging Springdale Chamber members to require their patrons to wear a mask to conduct business there. Below is Mayor Sprouse's message.
"As a City, we will continue to encourage following of all guidelines, including wearing masks when a 6 ft. distance cannot be maintained. However, we have no plans to pass an ordinance requiring the wearing of masks. As Mayor, I have no plans to bring forward such an ordinance, nor do I believe such an ordinance would have Council support. I believe that an ordinance making private businesses require masks is not within our authority, as was stated by the Fayetteville City Attorney prior to the approval of the ordinance by the Fayetteville City Council. While I agree with the spirit of the ordinance, I don't believe it is wise to pass an ordinance that is not legal, or enforceable. It is well within the authority of any private business to require customers to wear masks, and I would encourage and support such action. But at the end of the day, adherence to CDC guidelines ultimately comes down to education and personal responsibility, regardless of what ordinance might or might not be in place."
We will continue to follow the movements of leaders in the community to keep you abreast of developments within our city and state.
Just days ago Mayor Lioneld Jordan encouraged Fayetteville businesses to require patrons to wear a mask. A day later the Fayetteville City Council took it a step further and passes an ordinance requiring residents to wear a mask in most public places and penalizing businesses who failed to uphold the requirement. In the month of March sales tax numbers Fayetteville was flat with a .24% increase. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. signed an Executive order with the same requirement of wearing a mask in public places. On Thursday Governor Asa Hutchinson signed an extension to his Emergency Declaration which nullified the two orders put in place by the two municipalities by saying…
"The Secretary of Health in consultation with the Governor shall have sole authority over all instances of quarantine, isolation and restrictions on commerce and travel throughout the state. Cities and counties shall not impose any restrictions of commerce or travel upon citizens that is more restrictive than a directive or guideline issued by the Secretary of Health in consultation with the Governor."
Mayor Doug Sprouse of Springdale made his own declaration on Wednesday. Saying not only would he not bring forward a similar ordinance, but that he felt it unlawful and unenforceable and that his council would not support the measure. Springdale was up 7.3% in the last sales tax report. His message came shortly after Springdale Chamber President Perry Webb released his own message encouraging Springdale Chamber members to require their patrons to wear a mask to conduct business there. Below is Mayor Sprouse's message.
"As a City, we will continue to encourage following of all guidelines, including wearing masks when a 6 ft. distance cannot be maintained. However, we have no plans to pass an ordinance requiring the wearing of masks. As Mayor, I have no plans to bring forward such an ordinance, nor do I believe such an ordinance would have Council support. I believe that an ordinance making private businesses require masks is not within our authority, as was stated by the Fayetteville City Attorney prior to the approval of the ordinance by the Fayetteville City Council. While I agree with the spirit of the ordinance, I don't believe it is wise to pass an ordinance that is not legal, or enforceable. It is well within the authority of any private business to require customers to wear masks, and I would encourage and support such action. But at the end of the day, adherence to CDC guidelines ultimately comes down to education and personal responsibility, regardless of what ordinance might or might not be in place."
We will continue to follow the movements of leaders in the community to keep you abreast of developments within our city and state.
Mayor Sprouse, "No Mask Ordinance
In Springdale"
In Springdale"