Face Covering Ordinance In Effect In Ames

Press release from the City of Ames:

February 9, 2021

In her recent proclamation, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds allowed some statewide pandemic safety restrictions previously implemented to expire, including the requirement for face coverings in public. In December, the Ames City Council voted to extend the existing mandatory face covering ordinance in Ames through June 30, 2021.

“City Councils have the ability to implement measures in communities that are more restrictive than the State of Iowa,” said City Attorney Mark Lambert. “Ames and several other Iowa cities issued citywide face covering ordinances during a spike in cases to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Face coverings continue to be required by law in Ames.”

The Ames City Council initially passed a face covering ordinance in September to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. At the City Council meeting on Dec. 22, 2020, the ordinance was extended through June 30, 2021. Additionally, Story County has a face covering mandate that applies outside of Ames throughout the county. The City of Ames ordinance requires people in Ames ages 3 and older to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth unless they qualify for an exemption.

The ordinance applies in these situations:

• Face coverings are required when you are outside and cannot stay at least six feet away from others who are not members of your household
• Face coverings are required when you are inside any indoor setting where the public is invited, including but not limited to:
• Grocery, retail, and hardware stores
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Fitness centers
• Pharmacies
• Any other indoor public setting when with persons who do not live in the person’s household
• Other public settings that are not the person’s place of residence. A childcare facility is not considered a public setting or a facility where the public is invited in.

To read the ordinance in its entirety and to see other frequently asked questions, go to www.CityOfAmes.org/FaceCovering

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.