Waterloo Mayor Eases Mask Requirements

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With some exceptions, anyone who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer have to wear a mask in public places in Waterloo.

On Friday, Mayor Quentin Hart declared a new mask mandate with aligns with the updated guidance announced Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hart's new order abolishes the requirements of the indefinite mask mandate that was previously extended by the city council. Earlier this year, the council gave Mayor Hart the authority to end the mask requirement at his discretion.

Information about Waterloo's new mask mandate was posted on the city's Facebook page.

Under the city's modified proclamation, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance."

Updating the proclamation now makes sense, given that Black Hawk County's COVID-19 status has been at an elevated level for the past 10 days. Local health officials lowered the status to Elevated from Moderate on May 5.

Local health officials reported only nine new positive cases in the county and no additional virus-related deaths Friday afternoon. According to the latest figures, Black Hawk County's COVID-19 positivity rate is down 2.9-percent over the past 14 days.

Anyone who hasn't been vaccinated can get a shot this weekend in Waterloo. The Black Hawk County Health Department is a holding a community vaccination clinic on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Hippodrome on the National Cattle Congress Fairgrounds, 257 Ansborough Ave. Walk-ins are welcome.

The community clinic is a second shot clinic for people who were vaccinated at the earlier clinic held at the Hippodrome on April 24 and 25. This weekend's clinic is also an opportunity for individuals to get their first shot, health officials said. The Pfizer vaccine has now been approved for boys and girls who are at least 12 years old.