Mask of Wellness initiative

Helping businesses open safely

With local shops filled with customers again ?

"* business owners are finding ways to make sure their customers and employees keep up with best practices during the pandemic.

Several north iowa organizations are endorsing a program to inspire 'covid consciousness' among small businesses.

Kimt news 3's nick kruszalnicki is live in mason city to explain.

Nick?

George and katie ?

"* the mason city chamber of commerce here is asking local businesses to join up with the 'mask of wellness' campaign.

The idea was the brainchild of two iowa doctors, who wanted to make it easier for small busineses to open their doors and keep everyone safe from covid?

"*19.

Businesses and organizations that register for the free program are given signs to download and a huge list of resources for things including sanitization and instructions on mask wearing.

Mason city chamber of commerce president robin anderson says now is not the time to let our guard down when it comes to the coronavirus.

Living with covid is going to be a 27/7 thing.

It's not something that we can just do when we're at work, we really need to make sure that we're implementing best practices in our work life but also in our personal life too.

According to anderson, the chamber has been giving guidance to businesses about dealing with the pandemic and it's financial impact ?

"* so it was only natural for them to provide some help when it comes to keeping businesses safe as well.

Thank you nick.

If you are interested in learning more about the 'mask of wellness' program, we'll put a link up on our website at kimt dot com.

Just look for this story under local news.