Questions were raised Tuesday over the masks that the city of Wichita is providing to citizens who speak at city council meetings.
Citizens have been going to Century II to make public comments under coronavirus protocols established by the city. Former EMS paramedic Scot Pierce called attention to the mask when he spoke to the council Tuesday and urged them to repeal the current mask order.
That led city council member Jeff Blubaugh to ask, “With the amount of PPE (personal protective equipment) money we’re getting, are we having a maintenance man take paper towels and staple rubber bands to them and provide them for our guests that are speaking?”
City manager Robert Layton said the masks are temporary and disposable and they are for people who don’t bring their own masks. He said it doesn’t have the same impact as other mask coverings but it does provide some protection. He said staff looked at early CDC guidance on masks in developing the masks for use by visitors.
Blubaugh asked staff to check with Sedgwick County health officials on the adequacy of the masks.
