Posted on a softball diamond fence in North Alexander Park, but applicable to all Faribault city parks.
SIGNS, OR PERHAPS more accurately notices, are posted seemingly everywhere these days. Mostly to inform us about COVID-19 related issues. They are necessary reminders and sometimes required by executive mandates, like the new order in Minnesota requiring face masks to be worn in indoor public places.
Businesses and other public places are required by the new Minnesota executive order to post signage requiring masks. This is posted on the door of a downtown Faribault business.
Minnesota’s mask mandate went into effect July 25. I’m happy to report that when I went grocery shopping last Saturday morning, I saw only one unmasked person—an elderly man. At the Faribault Farmers’ Market, some vendors and customers wore masks. Others didn’t. Masks are not required outdoors if you can safely social distance.
I found this strong warning on a notice attached to a side door along a side street in downtown Faribault.
We’re off to a good start, Faribault. It took an executive order from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to do what we should have done along for the health of all. Thank you for complying. And for those of you who have been masking up prior, thank you for long ago recognizing the importance of this simple preventative measure.
The two-page Adult Softball Safety Plan hung on the fence behind home plate and in front of the bleachers.
Page one of the safety plan.
A close-up of the safety plan document, page 2.
While out and about last Sunday, including a morning walk in North Alexander Park, I spotted an abundance of signage posted on fences at a softball diamond. I paused to read messages like the two-page Faribault Parks and Recreation Adult Softball Safety Plan, which focuses on health and safety as it relates to COVID-19.
Softball league rules.
The alcohol ban is noted in rule #4.
But then I found another sign—Adult Softball League Details—which has likely been here for some time and is posted inside the fence behind home plate. Of special interest was rule #4: Drinking of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited by any coach, manager or player while the game’s in progress. An exception allows a player to drink alcohol if he takes himself out of the game and goes to the spectator area.
This dugout sign prohibits alcohol consumption.
Yet, when I saw signs on the exterior of fences surrounding the dugouts I noticed a discrepancy. One read: NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED IN DUGOUTS. The other read: ALCOHOL ALLOWED IN DUGOUTS. So which is it?
But the sign at the other dugout supposedly allows alcohol.
I was momentarily baffled until Randy pointed out that someone had vandalized the sign to remove the word NO. Upon closer inspection, I agreed with that observation.
I expect those involved with softball in Faribault know the no drinking rule. It’s common sense that if you’re actively playing a sport, consuming alcohol seems a bad idea. Just like going mask-less and/or congregating at a bar during a global pandemic are really bad ideas. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey this week issued an emergency order, effective Saturday evening, which limits service in bars. Patrons can no longer order or drink at the bar/counter. Now all drinks must be served while patrons are seated at tables. The reason: Nearly 400 cases of COVID-19 linked to people going to bars in Minneapolis.
Let’s continue to mask up. Social distance. Wash/sanitize your hands. Avoid gatherings. And, in general, use common sense.
Think of others, not just yourself. Be safe. Stay healthy.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
In working in the health care industry there is proper ways to wear masks too. Mainly make sure it fits snug to your face, especially the nose and chin areas. I remember opening the mask wearing guidelines and was amazed to see it was 3 slides in length with visuals. I cannot tell you the amount of signage throughout my working area and there are even spacing dots throughout on the floors. I have to laugh at myself because there are times I go the wrong way in the grocery store and somehow have gotten off the one directional markers – oops 😦 Be Safe and Take Care – Masks are like Seatbelts right now – Wear One for Safety.
That’s a great point about wearing masks correctly. I, too, have seen masks not covering noses. I know they are sometimes a challenge to wear and getting just the right fit is so important. I picked up a free one at the Northfield Public Library recently which fits well. Thank you to the volunteers there who sewed these for the community.
It sounds like you have a really attentive work environment.
I sometimes go the wrong way in grocery stores, too, so focused am I on getting what I need and then getting out of there.
Interesting signage. What a changing challenging world we live in these days. Safe safe and stay healthy.
I saw some truly creative signage while in Northfield on Friday evening. A post on that…sometime.
Stay safe and healthy also, Paula.