Guthrie Mayor Talks About Mandatory Face Masks While In Public

The City of Guthrie announced everyone must wear some form of mask when out in public within city limits.

The Guthrie mayor thinks this decision will make his city a safer place when people choose to get out, and hopefully, it will lessen the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s protecting our fellow citizen, it’s what we need to do, we felt as a city council,” said Guthrie Mayor Steven Gentling.

The decision was made Monday afternoon at an emergency City Council meeting.

Related: City Of Guthrie Makes Face Masks In Public Mandatory, Implements 'Shelter In Place' 

Council members unanimously approved a measure requiring everyone to wear a face mask while in public or doing essential work in city limits.

The CDC said the virus could be transmitted even through speaking or normal breathing.

Council members also approved a "shelter in place" protocol which will stay in effect until May 5.

The city said people should not wear medical masks, as they should be saved for health care professionals.

One Guthrie resident said he believes this is the right decision. He said the faster people follow these measures the faster they’ll get through this pandemic.

“I can’t go to a restaurant and eat right now, I can’t go to the movie theater right now, so let’s power through this and just get it done,” said Asa Nelson, local resident.

Others think it’s unnecessary.

“I think it shouldn’t be mandatory. I think it should just let people if they want to do it, they can, if not they don’t have to do it,” said Wesley Harris, local resident.

The mayor said he understands the criticism, but he and the rest of council think this the best way for everyone to combat the virus while out in public.

“We understand that we don’t want to make it tougher but we want to protect the citizens. It’s a public health issue and that’s our main focus,” Gentling said.