ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) —The vice-mayor of Altoona stated that the city of Altoona will not be enforcing the declared wear a mask outside rule.

Dave Butterbaugh posted on Facebook last night regarding the governor’s face covering mandate, saying that “the city of Altoona will most certainly NOT be enforcing the declared wear a mask outside rule.”

While speaking with WTAJ, Butterbaugh said that he spoke with the city manager and it would be “virtually unenforceable.”

“Local governments are in no position to enforce the rules. It’s important for people to be respectful and make their own decisions,” he said.

Butterbaugh also said that if the number of cases rise in Blair County there will be collaboration with the police, fire department and local medical personnel.

In a statement to WTAJ, Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico wrote:

“Councilman Butterbaugh wasn’t speaking on bedhalf of the city, or city council. We, as the governing body, haven’t had the chance to discuss this publicly yet, but this is a tough order for the city to enforce and would be best left to individual businesses to enforce at a level they are comfortable with.”

Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico