Our View: County should lead with face mask resolution

Sweetwater County commissioners missed an opportunity to take a lead on an issue tied to the coronavirus pandemic and should reverse course.

Last week, the commissioners debated a resolution requiring residents to wear a mask when entering a county building and also making masks mandatory for county employees unless they’re in their private offices.

Some of the concerns presented were legitimate, such as the enforceability of the resolution. However, other concerns weren’t as solid.

“We’ve seen some incidents where face masks are required or event just recommended and there’s altercations and incidents that have blown up,” Commissioner Jeff Smith said last week.

“We have to remember who these buildings belong to -- they belong to the public. We got to remember who we work for -- we work for the taxpayers. I think they have freedoms that we cannot dictate through government to make them wear face masks,” Commissioner Wally Johnson said.

“It’s not a statewide mandate at this point,” Commissioner Roy Lloyd said.

The commissioners opted to re-examine the issue next week, but they’re missing the point entirely. The mask resolution as originally presented would be a key component in helping protect county employees from COVID-19. It would help prevent an asymptomatic carrier visiting county buildings from infecting employees and starting an outbreak within a department or entire building.

This resolution would allow the county’s satellite components, such as the Sweetwater County Library System and Sweetwater County Historical Museum, the ability to dictate if they should require masks without the argument that they can’t because the commissioners haven’t declared the requirement for core county agencies. While there is some truth in Lloyd’s recommendation that the county could increase efficiencies by moving more services online, some services are only available by visiting a building in person.

Other Wyoming communities have implemented measures beyond what the state has done as well. Jackson’s town council unanimously approved an ordinance requiring masks at many businesses in the town. The ordinance was requested by business owners because they had problems getting customers to follow their mask rules.

Enforcing a resolution wouldn’t be out of the question either. A door person would offer masks to visitors arriving at the entrance to a building. If they chose not to wear a mask, the door person would explain the resolution and suggest alternative means of accomplishing the goal behind their visit. If the visitor escalates the situation -- call a deputy to help sort it out.

At this point wearing a mask while inside a building should be considered a sign of courtesy to others occupying that space. The county should consider the health of its employees as it, like everyone else, navigates this pandemic situation we find ourselves in.

The Sweetwater County commissioners should make the logical choice -- mandate face masks inside county buildings.