OMAHA- Omaha’s mask requirement has been extended to Oct. 20. On Tuesday the city council voted 5-2 to approve an extension of the current requirement, which was set to expire Sept. 15. The rules of the requirement, which first took effect Aug. 11, won’t functionally change. Masks are required in many public settings where 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. It includes several other exceptions.

Mayor Jean Stothert has said she won’t veto the council’s decision to extend the requirement.

Lincoln Mayor Gaylor Baird and Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director Pat Lopez have said the mask mandate and current local restrictions helped contribute to three weeks where the number of new cases declined. And by continuing the restrictions, the county can avoid a dramatic spike. Wearing masks, frequent hand-washing, maintaining distance and avoiding large gatherings have continued to prove effective, the mayor said.

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