CB council to consider making face masks mandatory in town

Community has to set an example for visitors

By Mark Reaman

Whether or not to mandate that citizens and visitors wear facemasks inside local businesses during the coronavirus crisis will be on the Crested Butte Town Council meeting agenda for next Monday, May 4. The idea came up at a special meeting on April 27 when council member Mallika Magner said she has seen many people without facemasks in places like Clark’s Market and the post office, and some of the employees told her they were concerned. The thought was floated that visitors would be even less likely to wear masks.

“Even if Crested Butte opened completely I’m not sure anyone would come here,” said council member Mona Merrill. “There is a lot of anxiety and fear of getting the virus.”

Given that the council meeting was being conducted on Zoom, resident Sasa Watt wrote she disagreed with that assessment. “I am getting calls from a lot of people wanting to come here soon,” she typed.

Council member Chris Haver said that was his impression too. “People are sitting at home daydreaming about where they can go when things open up,” he said. “They want to drive to uncrowded places and be outdoors. Crested Butte is the perfect place.”

In terms of visitors wearing facemasks to help limit the spread of COVID-19, Haver said the community in general “will have to role-model behavior for our visitors.”

Magner asked if the town should mandate that people wear masks inside businesses as a way to protect employees.

Business owner Carrie Jo Chernoff said she has seen a lot more group gatherings in recent days around town, especially in the parks. Many of the people are not wearing masks.

Crested Butte chief marshal Mike Reily said the local law enforcement policy is to rely on education first. “If we see inappropriate situations we let people know the rules before arresting people or writing tickets,” he said. “I hear you guys talking about the impact of peer pressure and role modeling. Businesses can also make their own rules to require facemasks be worn in their places. They don’t have to admit or serve customers without masks if they don’t want to, for example.”

Parks and Recreation director Janna Hansen said the parks would likely be a normal gathering spot as the weather gets warmer and groups of 10 are now permitted. “So it is the social distancing element that is really important right now,” she said.

Councilmember Will Dujardin suggested the council consider an ordinance at the next meeting mandating that masks be worn inside businesses.

Town manager Dara MacDonald said it might not take an ordinance but she would include it for the May 4 meeting to be discussed.