(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has been urged again to approve a face mask mandate to mitigate the spread of the cornavirus.

Denise Wolney, administrator of Hiawatha's Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, appeared before the Commission Monday evening to make the request.

It comes after Hiawatha Hospital Administrator John Broberg met with the Commission at their August 3rd meeting to make the same request.

Wolney said Brown County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, rising from 40 cases at the end of July to 72 cases as of August 31. Brown County saw it's first virus-related death last week.

Wolney said she believes Commission approval of a mask mandate would go a long with to stop the spread of the virus.

She said other cities have approved mask mandates. Wolney presented commissioners with a copy of a mask mandate ordinance approved by the Hays City Commission in July. 

Mayor Bill Collins said businesses can already require face coverings without a city ordinance mandating them.

Collins said commissioners will get together with City Administrator Mike Nichols, City Attorney Andy Delaney and Police Chief John Defore to see what direction they want to go.