On Wednesday, July 8, the Grand Marais Business Coalition, a subgroup of the Chamber of Commerce, petitioned the Grand Marais City Council to adopt a citywide requirement that facemasks be worn in all public buildings and in all private buildings where goods and services are provided to the public.
Additionally, the petition requested masks be required in all crowded outdoor spaces where social distancing is not feasible.
While the Business Coalition is asking the council to take action on their suggestion, they made it known that; “Our emphasis in pushing for uniform mask rules is to use the moral and political authority of the state to encourage mask use, not to focus on enforcing their use and imposing penalties for those who decline.”
The council took the petition under advisement and also voted to send a letter to Governor Tom Walz requesting he impose a statewide facemask rule that is uniform across the state.
“Wearing facemasks has been identified by national and state public health authorities as one of the most effective strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and thus ensuring that our economy may remain open for business. An increasing number of state and local governments are requiring their use. It is one of the best ways we can protect both people and our economy. Plus, as many visitors tell us, a friendly requirement that masks be worn can actually make visitors feel safer and more at ease when they spend time here this busy summer season,” wrote Director Jim Boyd, Cook County Chamber of Commerce.
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