Mayor Frank Cownie on Friday, in an alignment with COVID-19 recommendations from the CDC, removed the mandatory face-covering requirement in Des Moines. The rescinding of the requirement takes effect immediately and follows yesterday’s CDC recommendation that those fully vaccinated no longer have to wear face coverings or maintain distance from others.
Cownie issued an emergency proclamation in response to the community spread of the coronavirus in March of last year. He implemented a mask requirement for Des Moines in late August.
“I want to thank our residents, business owners and visitors for understanding the importance of this authorization and for adhering to the rules. Your diligence helped keep us safe and healthy,” Cownie said. “It has been a long and challenging road for us these past 14 months but now we are nearing the corner. That is why we will follow the recommendations of the CDC and immediately loosen the restrictions in Des Moines.”
Cownie added that those still needing vaccinations are strongly encouraged but not required to wear face coverings.
“I also urge those needing vaccinations to get their shots by the end of June so that we can avoid potential COVID outbreaks in Des Moines over the Fourth of July weekend,” he said
