Kodiak Emergency Services Council announces mask mandate, effective immediately

The Kodiak Emergency Services Council has issued a mandatory mask mandate, effective immediately, according to a Friday press release. This is to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus in Kodiak.

The press release instructions include the following; “All individuals must wear masks or face coverings over their noses and mouths when they are indoors in public settings or communal spaces such as, but not limited to, grocery stores, retail stores, religious institutions, educational facilities, restaurants and bars.”

Exceptions to the mask mandate are “employees within their own fully enclosed office or workspace or within an enclosed workspace if they are totally alone, those who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical or behavioral condition, individuals removing their masks or face coverings to eat or drink, any child under the age of two.”

The press release instructs businesses to deny admittance to any individual who fails to comply with the regulation, and to “require or compel” removal of such individuals from the premises- in compliance with the aforementioned exceptions and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The release also states that face shields are not an acceptable substitute to face masks. It also states that employers must make sure employees present in the workplace have access to and wear masks while in the presence of others.

The mask mandate is effective until further notice. In a broadcast PSA, Mike Tvenge said that capacity restrictions indoors would be announced this upcoming week. According to Tvenge, Kodiak is at risk level Yellow.