Here’s what Clovis leaders are saying about coronavirus masks. What will residents do?
The Clovis City Council is setting one thing straight: they will wear a mask to help slow the coronavirus spread.
The council posted the reasons on their Facebook page Wednesday morning. Standing side-by-side wearing face masks, the five-member council posed for a picture.
“If putting on a mask for a few minutes while we browse the aisles keeps our shops open and people employed — (sic) we’ll wear the mask!” the message from the city’s social media site stated.
The message also included concern for vulnerable groups of people who may fall victim to COVID-19 at higher rates. The council stated they support mask-wearing in public and in areas where social distancing is not possible.
Health experts have outlined the benefits of wearing a face mask. They note that particles released by humans don’t travel as far as they would without a mask.
But while California has made masks mandatory outside the home, wearing a one has become a contentious debate around the nation. Online videos have shown shoppers and restaurant patrons protesting and refusing to wear them even as businesses require them during the pandemic.
At their council meetings, Clovis councilmembers and presenters have routinely worn face coverings.
Clovis has fared better than nearby Fresno when it comes to coronavirus cases. The Fresno County Department of Public Health has recorded 293 cases in Clovis, compared to more than 3,700 cases in Fresno.
Additionally, as of Wednesday, Clovis had fewer cases than even smaller cities like Parlier, Mendota, and Sanger.
In their message, the council states the only way to get back “to normal” includes following the advice of health experts. In this case: “We’ll wear the mask.”
