City Passed Ordinance To “Encourage” Following Covid Guidelines

Yesterday, the city council met to discuss the city ordinance that would "encourage" businesses to adhere to, and require customers to adhere to, Covid-19 guidelines. That meeting ended with the council voting to pass it 4-1.

In Monday's meeting there was an opportunity for public comment. There were those against the ordinance citing their own personal research and how people should be allowed to choose for themselves. There were those for it, who cited their own research and talked about a need to slow the spread.

Putting it simply, the ordinance requires businesses to follow the guidelines that have been laid out regarding masks, social distancing, and hygiene. Businesses will be expected to require customers to wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.

For businesses that don't follow through, the first step is education. There will be warnings and training provided to help bring that business up to speed. If there are further issues, that's when a fine would be issued.

There's no secret police out there taking away private citizens for not wearing a mask. Business owners aren't going to be required to go after people who won't wear a mask.

Relax.

Some have suggested we give people the opportunity to make these choices for themselves. Frankly, we have. For most of the year. If they were going to do it, they would have at this point.

We have morgue trucks in Amarillo. Our hospitals are packed. Sometimes, you just have to put on your big-boy/girl pants and do the thing you don't want to do, so that you will get to do what you want to do.

So, mask up. Be smart. Look out for each other. We'll get through this together.