Local business reacts to Mayor’s ‘mask mandate’

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird's mask mandate will go into effect on July 20. One local business in Lincoln is adjusting to the new policy.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s mask mandate will go into effect on July 20. The mandate requires all individuals to wear masks inside any public indoor space. The mayor’s announcement comes after health officials announced a large spike in COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County. Local businesses in Lincoln are adjusting to the new policy.

Toys From The Past manager Rex Jaycox said his store has hand sanitizer stations when you walk in the door.

“We’ve been preparing for this for awhile,” Jaycox said. “We kind of knew this was going to happen at some point.”

Jaycox said customers from all different parts of Nebraska will travel to his store, not just Lincoln residents. If a customer does not have a mask or refuses to wear one, he’s not sure what his reaction will be.

“I don’t know if we’re going to turn them away,” he said. “I don’t know if we can. It’s hard to say.”

Following the announcement of the mask mandate on July 17, Governor Pete Rickett’s office released a statement to Channel 8 saying:

“While the Governor encourages the use of masks in appropriate situations, he strongly disagrees with the mayor’s decision to mandate masks. This is not a data-driven decision based on the current numbers in Lancaster County at this time. We are reviewing legal options.”

Jaycox said, now is not the time for divide.

“We need to work together instead of against each other,” he said. That’s taking all political views aside, and quit having a contest.”

For more information on the mask mandate visit klkntv.com.