Mahoney said a more realistic target for vaccination in the city is likely to be in the 50% range, as he and COVID-19 task force members and doctors believe that many young people may not be vaccinated. Although, he said, Johnson & Johnson’s newly approved single-dose vaccine may encourage more people to receive an injection.
Revoking the mask’s mandate, which has been in place in the city since October 19, is not final, he said, but if the numbers continue to decline and more high-risk people are vaccinated, it could end in three weeks.
The city appears to be “in a good place” with people returning to restaurants, bars and retail stores, he said, noting that this was economically good for the city.
Mahoney and West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, however, told area lawmakers at a meeting on Tuesday that they do not support a proposed state law that would prevent cities from passing mask mandates.
It passed the House on February 22 in a 50-44 vote, despite strong evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that widespread use of masks is effective in mitigating coronavirus transmission.
“We need to do what is best for our citizens,” said Dardis.
West Fargo’s mask strategy strongly encourages the public to wear a mask when they are unable to keep six feet of distance between them. There is no penalty for not following the strategy, but it supports owners who require masks in their buildings.
Dardis said he realized that geographically, across the state, different steps are needed to slow the transfer of the virus, but said that larger cities need to follow scientific and public health recommendations.
The project was part of what Dardis sees as measures by the state legislature to “erode local control”.
Mahoney agreed and said that the ability to wear masks is certainly needed when it comes to communicable diseases, and cities with large populations are more at risk of outbreaks.
As for vaccinations, said Mahoney, the addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the progress being made with people aged 65 and over could mean that most people who want the vaccine can get it in June, well before a previous schedule that we thought would be anywhere from September to October.
He would like to see the city with a vaccination rate of 70%. 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 vaccinate. Thus, he believes that a new target of 50% would be more realistic and attainable.
State Representative John Boschee, D-Fargo, told mayors that one of his concerns was that some seniors and others were having trouble finding transport to vaccination centers.
Mahoney and Cass County Commission chairman Chad Peterson said he would look into the matter with Fargo Cass Public Health to make sure people found a way to the city’s main vaccine center at 5100 14th Ave. Fargo or to other locations.
State Representative Brandy Pyle, R-Casselton, said that there is a program available for seniors in that more rural area of the county that could help them receive the necessary transportation.
Peterson said he believes the county’s vaccination effort has been “second to none.”
He said, for example, that veterans were able to obtain vaccines easily at the Fargo Veterans Administration Medical Center and also praised FCPH for its efforts.
Despite the rumors, Mahoney also said that health officials are not aware of any injections that have been ruled out. Many people on waiting lists are called immediately if there is any chance, he said.