Jill Schramm/MDN Ward County Buildings Supervisor Leona Lochthowe changes the mask message on the door of the administrative building Tuesday to reflect the county’s updated policy.

Wearing a mask on Ward County properties is recommended but no longer required.

The Ward County Commission, responding to Monday’s lifting of the state mask mandate, voted unanimously Tuesday to return to a mask recommendation for employees and county building visitors that existed prior to the state mandate.

“Our recommendation allows our employees to use masks as they see fit and others who visit as well,” said Commissioner Shelly Weppler, who made the motion to go back to the former policy.

However, the City of Minot had not lifted its citywide mask mandate as of Tuesday, although the mandate was expected to be a topic of discussion at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The city mandate requires anyone within city limits to wear a face covering in all indoor or outdoor environments where they are exposed to non-household members and where social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained. There is no penalty in the mandate for noncompliance and certain exceptions are allowed, such as for giving a speech or performance, attending a religious service or consuming food.

Meanwhile, Ward County received 480 kits for rapid COVID-19 testing on Monday and will be offering tests to employees. The county is pursuing access to antibody test kits as well.

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Citywide mask mandate continues

Minot City Council members voted 5-2 Tuesday to continue a citywide mask mandate for another month.

The council will consider the mandate again at its meeting Feb. 16. The mandate carries no penalties for noncompliance.

Mayor Shaun Sipma had asked the council to continue the mandate until more elderly and senior residents are vaccinated.