Updated: 3:40 p.m.

Omaha implemented an emergency ordinance Tuesday requiring masks or face coverings in indoor public settings effective immediately.

Omaha City Council members voted 7-0 to require everyone age 5 and older to wear a mask when they are in an indoor space that’s open to the public, unless they main maintain 6 feet of separation from others at all times.

Under the emergency ordinance, masks are not required for those:

• Seated at a bar or restaurant while consuming food or beverages.

• Engaged in exercise.

• Engaged in an occupation that prevents the wearing of a mask.

• Purchasing goods or services that require a mask be temporarily removed.

• Speaking to an audience where 6 feet of distance is maintained.

• Seeking state or county government services.

• Individuals who cannot otherwise wear a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition or a disability that makes it unreasonable for them to wear a mask.

• Individuals seated at a desk or work station that has a solid plastic barrier that has been approved by the city’s health director.

David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, praised the decision after prominent local businesses put their support behind the emergency measure.

“Thank you, Omaha City Council for your decision to help reduce negative outcomes from COVID-19 through a mask requirement,” Brown said. “For months now, we have joined our civic and business leaders in sharing the importance of wearing a mask to protect each other – and ourselves – during this evolving health situation. A mask mandate will help us all.”

The chamber has estimated that wearing a cloth face covering could save $3.2 billion in economic activity across it seven-county region, while also positively impacting public health. No other community in the metropolitan area has a mask mandate in effect.

Omaha’s mask mandate is in effect until Sept. 15, although it can be extended by the council.

The ordinance requires face coverings to be worn over both the mouth and nose. Examples could include paper or disposable masks, cloth face masks, scarves, bandannas, neck gaiters or religious face coverings. Medical grade masks and respirators are acceptable but discouraged if unnecessary to preserve their supply, and masks with a valve for easy exhaling or that are made of mesh or have other openings aren’t adequate to meet the ordinance’s requirements.

The ordinance pertains to premises open to the general public, including public transportation. It specifically includes private clubs, religious centers or buildings, daycare centers and educational facilities.

The ordinance exempts courts, medical providers, pharmacies, group homes, residential treatment facilities, shelters, airports, election offices, polling sites on election day, and residential dwelling units. It also does not pertain to anyone engaged in an activity – such as swimming or showering – where they would get wet, and when exercising at a level of exertion that makes it difficult to wear a mask, such as at a gym.

The penalty for violating the ordinance is a $25 fine. The city can also seek injunctive or other appropriate civil remedies to obtain compliance with the ordinance or abate any nuisance resulting from violations.

The ordinance requires a report to be released each Tuesday to the mayor and City Council on the status of COVID-19 infections in the city

On Wednesday morning, the Douglas County Health Department reported 180 new cases of COVID-19, which brings the county’s total to 11,629 since March Two new death certificates were received, bringing the total death toll in Douglas County to 140 so far.