Dubuque Times

In an effort to battle the spread of COVID-19 and to increase the safety of its citizens, the City of Dubuque’s Jule public transportation system has made it a requirement that all passengers wear a face covering.

The measure went into effect at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 3. From that day forward, every passenger that is over the age of two must wear acceptable face coverings while inside a Jule bus.

Acceptable cloth face coverings include, but are not limited to homemade masks, scarves, bandanas and handkerchiefs.

However, City officials recognize that there are instances when wearing a cloth face covering isn't feasible. One example of a condition would be if a face covering exacerbates physical or mental health or medical condition.

“There’s evidence that the age, condition and health of a significant portion of the population served by The Jule place passengers at risk for serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19,” City of Dubuque Transportation Services Manager Renee Tyler stated on the city's website. “The safety of our passengers is our first priority and this policy makes our service safer for them.”