Health Dept. ramps up mask ordinance enforcement

Rising Covid-19 numbers in the city have forced the hand of the local health department, they will now issue tickets for businesses that fail to comply.

While st.

Joseph, like the rest of the country is waiting for the arrival of a covid-19 vaccine, the virus itself isn't stopping for anything.

Good evening, thanks for joining us this sunday night, i'm ron johnson.with that in mind, the city's health department is ramping up its enforcement strategy for businesses that fail to comply with the current mask ordinance.

We spoke with the health department earlier this week about what they're doing to keep everyone on the same page.

<<ron johnson reporting[nats] restaurantin the past, the city's approach to compliance was mainly complaint based.

But as covid cases continue to rise, it's forced the hand of the health department to rethink their enforcementso, it's recently changed a little bit.

Given where we are with the virus right now, the city says the time has come for more accountability, that means tougher penalties for those who aren't following the rules.we will be issuing tickets, for businesses who are not complying with the order.now, if a health inspector sees a business not complying with the city's mask ordinance they can issue either the manager or owner of that business ticket of up to $500, the rate would be determined by a judge in municipal court.

And it's not just about stricter punishment, the health department also says they plan to check up on businesses more often.

We are starting to do some random checks to see if the mask ordinance is being enforced.

The health department wants the public to know the toughened approach only applies to face coverings.

We have had several complaints that somebody will say well, they're not keeping socially distance.in the order, that is not a mandate.

We can only write the ticket on the mandate which is the face covering.

At least one local restaurant likely won't have a problem under the tougher penalties as staff at lamesa told us weeks ago, their customers have done well adjusting to the ordinance95% of the customers, they come in with a face mask.

The other 5% if they don't have it, we request it and they turn back running to the car, but nobody's mad right now.they said it's important now more than ever for businesses and their customers to protect each other and follow the proper guidelineswe really think that's the only way that we can be living safe, it's no other way.

Health department staff say the tougher enforcement only applies to bars and restaurants, retail spaces are not included.

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