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Mahoney said a more realistic goal for vaccinations in the city would likely be in the range of 50%, as he and members of the COVID-19 task force and medics believe many young people may not get them. vaccinate. Although, he said, the newly approved Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine could encourage more people to get vaccinated.
The repeal of the mask’s mandate, in effect in the city since October 19, is not set in stone, he said, but if the number continues to decline and more people at high risk are vaccinated, it could end in three weeks.
The city seems “to be in a good position” with people returning to restaurants, bars and retail stores, he said, noting that it was economically good for the city.
Mahoney and West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, however, told area lawmakers at a meeting on Tuesday that they did not support a state bill that would prevent cities from approving mask warrants .
He passed the House on February 22 with a 50-44 vote despite strong evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that widespread mask wear is effective in mitigating the transmission of the coronavirus.
“We have to do what is best for our citizens,” said Dardis.
West Fargo’s mask strategy strongly encourages members of the public to wear a mask when they cannot keep a six-foot distance between themselves. There is no penalty for not following the strategy, but it does support homeowners who need masks in their buildings.
Dardis said he realized that geographically across the state there had to be different steps to slow the transfer of the virus, but he said larger cities needed the ability to follow the recommendations. science and public health.
The bill was part of what Dardis sees as steps taken by the state legislature to “erode local control”.
Mahoney agreed and said the ability to impose masks is certainly needed when it comes to communicable diseases, and cities with high populations are at greater risk of epidemics.
As for vaccinations, Mahoney said, the addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the progress made with people 65 and older could mean that most people who want the vaccine could have it by June. , well before an earlier timeline that predicted that would be the case. anywhere from September to October.
He would like to see the city at a 70% vaccination rate. However, he said, some young people who have already contracted the virus and others who are less susceptible to severe symptoms may not plan to be vaccinated. Thus, he believes that a new target of 50% would be more realistic and achievable.
State Representative John Boschee, D-Fargo, told mayors that one of his concerns was that some elderly people and others were having difficulty finding transportation to vaccination centers.
Mahoney and Cass County Commission Chairman Chad Peterson said they would look into the matter with Fargo Cass Public Health to make sure people find a way to get to the city’s main vaccination center in the city. 5100 14th Ave. S. in Fargo or other places.
State Representative Brandy Pyle, R-Casselton, said there is a program available for seniors in this more rural area of the county that could help them receive needed transportation.
Peterson said he believed the county’s vaccination effort was “second to none.”
He said, for example, that veterans were able to easily get vaccinated at the Fargo Veterans Administration Medical Center and also praised FCPH for their efforts.
Despite the rumors, Mahoney also said health officials were not aware of any shots that should have been thrown. Many people on waiting lists are called immediately if vaccines are available, he said.
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