Lincoln, Omaha councils meet; Different mask mandates on display
Not on the agenda was any discussion of mask mandates in the state’s two largest cities—Lincoln is under a Lancaster County mandate, Omaha had a city-wide mask mandate but it expired earlier this year.
By News Channel NebraskaA joint meeting between the Omaha and Lincoln City Councils Tuesday, held at Omaha’s Cottonwood Hotel, found a variety of topics ranging from improved mass transit to climate change to more affordable housing.
Not on the agenda was any discussion of mask mandates in the state’s two largest cities—Lincoln is under a Lancaster County mandate, Omaha had a city-wide mask mandate but it expired earlier this year.
NCN’s Joe Jordan: Looking around the room, looking at you (Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen, Democrat) and looking at him (Lincoln City Council Chairman James Michael Bowers , Democrat) you (Festersen) don’t have a mask on and he (Bowers) does.
PETE FESTERSEN: Masks are encouraged for the meeting. It’s optional for those who want to attend. Omaha doesn’t currently have a mask mandate. I do know that all council members are vaccinated. I myself have had the booster already as well.
NCN’s Joe Jordan: Are you (Bowers) vaccinated sir?
JAMES MICHAEL BOWERS: I am. I’m wearing a mask because I want to help prevent the spread of COVID and I want to show an example for our citizens in Lincoln. We have a mask mandate in our county.
Omaha’s mask mandate went into effect in August of last year and expired in late May.
The Douglas County Health Department tells us that the risk of spreading the virus in Omaha and the county remains high.
Lancaster County’s mask mandate is due to expire November 24 but it has been extended several times in the past.