KEARNEY, Neb. -- The City of Kearney's mask mandate will not be ending early following a decision Tuesday by the City Council.

The council unanimously voted five to zero to vote down the suggestion of ending the mask policy early. The policy was first implemented in November and will still be expiring on February 23rd.

Two Rivers Public Health Department has data showing a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since the policy was first put in place, but said that now was not the time to let up on precautions.