By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A potential extension of the city's face mask ordinance for COVID-19 is the only business item Hays city commissioners will discuss and vote upon during their meeting Thursday.
The mandate, which has been in place since July 27, is scheduled to end at midnight Monday, Aug. 31.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the ordinance.
Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, wants to extend the face mask ordinance another two weeks, through Monday, Sept. 14, which would include the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 7.
"That way, all of our college students are back in Hays and settled in and we've gotten through Labor Day when people are likely to gather," Jacobs said.
An marked increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Ellis County — 72 — was reported Monday by Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department health services director.
A joint news release from the health department and Fort Hays State University was issued Friday warning of positive cases found in people who attended house parties and visited bars in Hays on Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15.
Classes at FHSU started Monday, Aug. 17.
"Sixteen days from the day we first had people wearing masks, we had zero new cases of COVID-19," Jacobs noted. "I am in favor of masks. I think it's making a difference."
"We need to also stress the social distancing and discourage mass gatherings," she added, "along with good health hygiene."
Jacobs thinks the community has done well in complying with the face mask ordinance.
"I don't go many places where I don't see people with a mask on when it's appropriate," she said.
The Hays ordinance requires people older than age 8 to wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor public locales when social distancing of 6 feet is not possible.
There are nine exemptions to the ordinance.
The Aug. 27 city commission agenda also includes the July financial report and a project progress report.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.