Hallie Mayes 

Managing Editor

On Thursday, Nov. 24, the Butler County commission voted to extend the mask mandate for an additional 45 days beyond Monday, Feb 1. Continuing life with their masks up, El Dorado citizens have adjusted their business policies, the way they shop, and how they communicate. The decision to adopt a mask mandate was adopted on Thursday, Nov. 24 to be in place through Monday, Feb 1. The extension is set to expire on Wednesday, March 17. El Dorado businesses now offering curbside grocery pickup, call in orders, as well as passing out masks are just some of the adaption’s businesses have made. 

Based on the nature of the virus, in preparation for a predicted spike in COVID cases, El Dorado adopted the mandate. In a study done by Transboundary & Emerging Diseases Journal published in June 2020, it was predicted the virus would flourish in the winter. To lessen the impact of the virus in lower temperatures, everyone is advised to protect themselves and others. 

Having adjusted to the requirements and corporation policies, El Dorado businesses continue to welcome customers as the city works together maintain a safe and healthy community. Some local businesses have adopted measures in an effort to rally behind the mandate by offering disposable masks to customers, even volunteering at COVID testing sites and offering sanitation stations. 

“I am proud of the way Butler County has handled the pandemic,” said sophomore Easton Leedom, business management major. “I think we are all now realizing how serious this virus really is.” 

As of Monday, Feb. 7, there were 5,345 total cases and 291 active cases in Butler County. In an interview, El Dorado Mayor Bill Young explains how he feels the state of Kansas is at an equal level regardless of wearing masks or not. Without evidence to back the effectiveness of masks in lowering the spread of COVID, Young was not swayed in the decision to vote against the mandate once again at the city commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan 19. 

“I think we’ve got a whole community of people who believe whole heartedly in helping other people.” Young goes on to explain how wearing a mask is caring for one another. “I don’t see any more people today wearing masks than I did before. We wear masks because we’re good neighbors, and I want to protect you and you want to protect me.” 

However, without the support of Mayor Young the mandate was adopted, and the city adjusted. The decision was finalized after the county chose to opt out of Gov. Laura Kelly’s mask mandate. Instead, the mandate strongly encourages citizens to wear face coverings when in public businesses, public transport, as well as outdoors when individuals cannot socially distance. 

“I know everything happens for a reason,” said sophomore Saylor Middleton, a mass communication major, explained about her perseverance through COVID. “Being part of Headliners, we had to overcome challenges and changes, but we are better now because of it. I see that same perseverance in the community with locals supporting locals.”  

Frequented businesses such as the YMCA, Walmart and Subway have taken modern approaches to this mandate. The YMCA requires masks upon entrance and exit but allows guests to remove masks when they exercise. Upon entrance, Walmart encourages customers to maintain face coverings while shopping. Both large corporations enforce these polices nationwide. Other corporations such as QuikTrip, Subway and Braum’s does not require masks; however, they ask customers to abide by the city restrictions, but will not deny service to customers without face coverings. Small businesses in town such as BrewCo, The Daily Spot and Willies’s have enforced their own restrictions as they can require coverings to enter their facilities. 

A Walmart employee explained how Walmart customers have adapted to the changes. “Some people don’t do it, but for the most part people will. Whether there is a mandate or not people are going to do what they want, all we can do is ask them nicely.” 

Continuing life in the extension, businesses remain open under the city of El Dorado commission decisions–but it is up to the citizens to engage. The town of El Dorado has come together by staying apart.