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Video: Public reacts to Minnesota's mask mandate

Jul 23, 2020 05:21AM ● By Editor

Watch the WDIO-TV Report here

Photo: WDIO-TV

By Emily Ness of WDIO-TV - July 23, 2020

Officials said that the goal of Minnesota’s mask mandate is to slow the spread of COVID-19, keep the doors of businesses open and potentially, allow for schools to re-open. But, not everyone believes the mask mandate is the answer to that goal. WDIO spoke to members of the public who were for and against wearing masks.

The Albano family was watching a ship come through the harbor in Canal Park when they learned about Minnesota’s mask mandate. They said they support the mandate because they believe wearing masks will protect themselves and others.

“These young guys know, when we go inside—they have their masks on so that’s a good thing,” Bill Albano said about his grandsons. “I just wish everybody would just listen and do it and maybe we can turn this around faster.”

Kitty Kilbane, who works as a dentist, is also for the mask mandate. She said she wears a mask every day at work and believes people can adapt to this new normal.

“I think people should just realize that it’s about caring about other people and keeping everybody safe. It’s not a political statement. It shouldn’t be a political statement. It should be about caring about other people,” Kilbane said.

The Long couple of Grand Rapids, Michigan said a mask mandate was recently passed there and they don’t agree with it.

“We don’t like them at all. They just seem really, really smothering and it isn’t even comfortable to go into stores or anywhere with them on,” Rose Long said.

The Longs believe that wearing a mask should be voluntary rather than mandatory.

“I’m of the opinion that when God wants you, he’s going to take you anyway,” Randy Long said.

The Olsen family of Duluth said that masks were hot and uncomfortable.

“I really dislike them and I kind of wish they were not a fact of life right now, but you know, its life, it’s not fair,” Kenzie Olsen said.

But, the Olsen’s said they would do their best to wear them anyway.

“I think until this is all over, we need to do everything that we can to make sure that people stay as healthy as possible,” Dawn Olsen said.

Those in favor of the mask mandate also told WDIO that masks are critical when it comes to protecting vulnerable populations, while, those opposed to the mask mandate told WDIO that requiring masks may hurt businesses and be expensive.


To read the original article and see related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/news/mask-mandate-minnesota-reaction/5803005/?cat=10335

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