A mask mandate is indubitably necessary for the safety of Nebraska residents.  The Douglas County Health Department had a unanimous 5-0 vote to issue a mask mandate in Douglas County. The Governor (Ricketts) and the Attorney General (Peterson) have chosen to overrule this. Nebraska's Chief Medical Officer, Gary Antone, has addressed the importance of wearing a mask. Many other states have issued mask mandates and most other countries are experiencing a return to normalcy as masks are enforced and encouraged. As residents, we must stand together to show our support for a mask mandate. Education will be halted, out of state travel compromised, and elderly/immunocompromised populations remain at high risk. This mask mandate will help the spread of the virus as well as keep our hospitals at a capacity in which they can treat those who are ill. This is not a political issue, but rather an issue of public health. Please do your part by wearing a face covering in public settings and by signing this petition.