Steele County commissioners lift mask mandate, switch to advisory

Steele County commissioners voted on March 2 to remove the county’s mask mandate and convert it to an advisory under the direction of the public‑health nurse, following a lengthy update on vaccine supply and local case trends.

The county’s public‑health representative reported vaccine shipments rising to roughly 100 first doses a week and said vaccination rates were improving; commissioners spent more than an hour debating whether the mandate remained enforceable and whether lifting it would undercut coordination with adjacent Trail County. "I would still very much like to see all the sanitation policies left in place," the health office said, noting benefits in reduced spread of seasonal illnesses, but acknowledged enforcement had become difficult.

Commissioners questioned how the courthouse and county departments would operate after lifting the mandate, and whether each department head should be allowed to set their own mask rules. After discussion, a commissioner moved to remove the mask mandate and reduce it to an advisory; the motion was seconded and carried on a recorded roll call. The record shows a mix of votes in favor and at least one opposing vote before the motion carried.

Under the new policy, department heads will determine mask requirements for their offices, and the commission agreed to continue recommending screening procedures (sign‑in/stop signs) at public entrances and to keep enhanced cleaning practices in place. The board asked staff to publish clear guidance that businesses and departments may still require masks for entry if they choose.

The commission said it would revisit courthouse operations and public access at next month’s meeting if conditions change.