Kodiak EOC lifts mask mandate

Kodiak officials have downgraded the mandatory mask rule making face coverings up to individual businesses to enforce. That’s despite nearly 70 active cases in the community which is significantly lower from the summer peak.

Kodiak City Mayor Pat Branson called for downgrading the rule during a meeting of Kodiak’s Emergency Operations Center. It would end the mask mandate in public buildings. 

“But make masks highly recommended, and for businesses to decide how they want to operate with masks or not,” Branson said.

The EOC’s action doesn’t affect the Kodiak school district’s rules. Face coverings are still required for everyone on public school campuses. Additionally, the EOC is switching to weekly updates on COVID case counts every Wednesday instead of daily updates.  

Mayor Branson said that the public should respect the personal choices of other people on the island, but did note that the pandemic is far from over.

“I know there are people who want mask mandates, but leave it to the individuals and adults and children to make their choices. And hopefully, we won’t have the surges because we’re right around the corner from gatherings with holidays. And that concerns me, that really concerns me,” Branson said.

Kodiak has had a mandatory mask mandate in effect since August 27.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 11 new cases were reported, bringing the active COVID case count to 69. Since Monday, there have been two hospitalizations due to COVID; one of them was transported off island for additional treatment.