Wisconsin Governor Declares Emergency Face Covering Order

After a significant increase in community spread and cases of COVID-19, Wisconsin is now requiring masks when indoors and not in a private residence.

On Thursday (7/30), Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a public health emergency that now requires everyone to wear a face covering in all places indoors that isn't a private residence.

“We’ve said all along that we're going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what’s best for the people of our state, so that’s what I am going to do.”

The face covering order begins Saturday, August 1 and will end on September 28, unless a different order in enacted. If you violate this order, you're looking at an up to $200 fine.

Here are a few other key points to this new emergency order:

• Ages five and older are required to wear a face-covering when they indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit.
• Face coverings are strongly recommended if you are outdoors and maintaining physical distancing is not possible.
• Exceptions to the requirement include when an individual is eating, drinking, or swimming.

[H/T WGN TV]