(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has voted  to repeal the city's mask mandate, effective April 12.

The Commission Monday evening unanimously approved an ordinance repealing an ordinance approved last November requiring the wearing of masks or other face coverings in public spaces.

The mask mandate was put in place to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

Even though its being repealed, Mayor Bill Collins said he thinks everyone needs to continue wearing masks.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg voiced reservations about getting rid of the mask mandate before the end of the school year.  However, said she aways indicated she would listen to the local health professionals when they said it was ok to rescind the mandate.

As of Friday, the Brown County Health Department reported five active COVID-19 cases in the county.