'Wear a Mask' campaign explained

by MADISON HARDY
Staff Writer | October 21, 2020 1:00 AM

The "Wear a Mask" campaign began in late July to encourage citizens to wear masks.

Due to the prevalence of out-of-state and Idaho travelers, leaders like Coeur d'Alene councilwoman Kiki Miller were concerned that incoming visitors could increase the spread of COVID-19. So, the city of Coeur d'Alene partnered with Post Falls to create a public information campaign encouraging safe practices through CARES Act dollars.

In phase 1, Miller said visitors were targeted — through print, radio, television, social media, and signs — to inform them of the mask requirement and remind them of personal safety guidelines.

Other partners like Panhandle Health District, Kootenai Health, Heritage Health, School Districts 271 and 273, North Idaho College and Knudtsen Chevrolet shared the campaign's message but did not contribute financially.

"Local civic groups and individuals also endorsed and provided in-kind contributions," Miller said. "None of the area schools did, or plan to contribute financially, although they've all been regularly informed and supportive of the efforts."

With the campaign, Miller believes that the region was effective at keeping businesses open through the end of the summer season and even reported a rise in tourism dollars. According to Idaho Commerce Department statistics, Region 1 — encompassing the Coeur d'Alene area — was up 1% in August and 1.4% in September from last year.

"Our tourism numbers were up over 2019, and that's why the first phase was happening at all," Miller said. "We wanted to make sure that our businesses could stay open."

The campaign has not secured any partner funding yet, Miller said Tuesday, and will wait to do so until a new message is determined and who the participating partners may be.

Phase 2 of the campaign is on hold as officials watch case numbers and assess the COVID situation in Kootenai County. If the program does move forward, Miller said it would focus more on topics like hospital resources, school safety, and which businesses are open.