Bismarck imposes mask mandate that carries no penalties

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s capital city is imposing a mask mandate as the number of coronavirus cases continues to mount in the state. The Bismarck City Commission voted 3-2 Tuesday night for the mandate which carries no penalties for violations. The initial proposal commissioners discussed included fines for businesses who did not enforce the mandate. But the penalties were removed after some commissioners said they would not vote for a mandate that penalized businesses. Bismarck residents must wear a mask while in indoor public settings and when exposed to people outside their household if 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained.