Face coverings are now required in Dubuque. The city council mandate comes after the White House Coronavirus Task Force named Dubuque as a “red zone” for the spread of the virus.
Councilman Brad Cavanagh tells KCRG-TV 9 it's better to act now than regret it later. "What I really want to avoid is a complete shutdown of our economy again in any way, shape, or form,” he says. “We really cannot get to a point where that happens again, so whatever steps we can take to mitigate risks right now I think are very important steps to take.”
Cavanagh says the council is taking these steps to prevent the spread before any drastic measures need to be taken. He tells KCRG-TV 9 they are concerned as the number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Dubuque.
Face coverings will be required in all indoor public places beginning Saturday. Dubuque Police will start enforcing the mandate on Monday. Violators will be fined $10 and that would increase to $15 after 30 days unpaid.
(Photo: KCRG-TV 9)