Concerns grow over disregard for Rochester mask mandate at downtown bars

The growing number of COVID-19 cases this past week has Rochester city officials concerned about what will happen this upcoming weekend.

Winds: sw > nw 5?

"*15 mph with what's looking like a hot summer weekend in rochester ?

*- many may be hoping to head downtown for dinner or a cool beverage.

However ?

"* the concern over increasing covid?

"*19 cases has the city n edge.

Kimt new three's jessica bringe joins us live from downtown..

Jessica what should people keep in mind this weekend?

Live amy ?

"* it's simple but effective ?

"* wear your mask.

There's a city?

"*wide mandate for a reason..

So if you're indoors you should have it on even at the bars..

But an even better solution may be to simply sit outside.

With omlsted county public health reporting around 70 new covid?

"*19 cases connected to n outbreak associated with people socializing in downtown bars..

The city is becoming increasingly concerned.

Mayor kim norton says since reopening an uptick was expected ?

"* however she says f people don't take the mask mandate seriously there could be more consequences down the line.

Which is a path the city doesn't want to take.

<if the governor doesn't have a statewide order and we start seeing our area skyrocket those things will have to be revisited.

So, again, voluntary compliance ?

"* we tried that and it didn't work so now we're asking people to follow the mandate and if they'll comply i think we can get a grip on this and decrease the spread of covid.

> norton tells me some states have been issuing around a 500?

"*dollar fine to businesss that aren't complying with mask mandates.

Again it's not something the city or rochester wants to do.

Live in rochester jessica bringe kimt news thank you jessica.

Olmsted county says almost 1900 covid?

"*19 test we're conducted at the graham park testing site this week.

Since monday, the department of health has followed up on 120 complaints of bars and restaurants not following guidelines for preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Common complaints are employees not being masked and businesses not practicing