Public hearing on a proposed mask requirement in Anchorage will continue on Tuesday, after another long night of testimony Monday.
Most of the people at Monday’s meeting opposed a mask mandate. Many testified that the mandate is unconstitutional, that it violated individual liberties or claimed that it would be a slippery slope to fascism.
People in favor of requiring masks pointed to Anchorage’s overwhelmed hospitals and to overwhelming scientific evidence that shows wearing masks helps slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Several amendments were introduced to the ordinance, which was first introduced by Midtown Assembly member Meg Zaletel and Pete Peterson of East Anchorage. If passed, one amendment would get rid of the mask requirement in gyms. Another, also introduced by Zaletel, would get rid of a provision that allows individuals to enforce and report violations of the mask requirement
Lex Treinen is covering the state Legislature for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com.
