Huntington Seaside is shifting forward to seemingly declare itself a “no masks and no vaccine mandate” metropolis, preemptively taking a stand forward of any future orders from well being businesses.
Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark created the proposal. After a 4-3 approval vote from the Metropolis Council, town supervisor will return with a decision on the subsequent council assembly for formal adoption.
“That is all about particular person liberty and standing towards authorities intrusion,” Van Der Mark stated.
As a result of unfold of a brand new COVID-19 variant, the proposal goals to get forward of “further dialogue of doable new broad (common) mask-wearing mandates and pushes for vaccination boosters.”
Councilmember Dan Kalmick spoke at size towards the proposal, questioning why town was making public well being determinations. He added that Huntington Seaside permits folks to do as they please with masks and vaccines already.
“There aren’t any rumblings of masks or vaccine mandates,” Kalmick stated.
Councilmember Rhonda Bolton known as the proposal an enormous waste of time. “Folks have already got the liberty to do what they need to do.”
Mayor Tony Strickland, who voted for the proposal, stated the shutdowns in the course of the pandemic broken the economic system. “I believe it’s necessary for town of Huntington Seaside to say no extra, no extra in Huntington Seaside,” he stated.
An exception to the rule can be for individuals who have examined constructive for COVID-19, in response to the proposal. Van Der Mark stated companies would nonetheless have the proper to require masks and vaccines.
“If a enterprise want to ask for folks to put on masks and be vaccinated and present vaccine playing cards, they need to be entitled to take action themselves,” Van Der Mark stated, “however that shouldn’t be imposed on each citizen.”
