Fargo City Commission to take up mask mandate discussion

The Fargo City Commission is set to take up further discussion at Monday's regular City Commission meeting regarding a mask mandate in the City of Fargo. According to the agenda for the meeting, in a memo to fellow commissioners, John Strand asks for the commission for "consideration of a city policy that would mandate face masks where social distancing is not possible in public settings, while giving consideration to those who cannot due to medical or other conditions."

Strand says the policy that he wants commissioners to consider would be similar to the one put in effect in New York, with no civil or criminal component.

According to the North Dakota Department of Health, as of Friday morning, more than 3,900 cases have been recoevered in Cass County, out of 4,500 total positive cases.

Monday's meeting will be the second time a mandate will have been discussed before the commission. At its meeting in late July, the commission, on a 4-1 vote, approved a directive, which means masking is recommended, but not mandated or punishable by law.