Statewide Face Covering Mandate

Jul. 2020

On July 30, 2020, Governor Evers issued a mandate requiring all Wisconsin residents to wear a face covering, starting August 1, 2020, while indoors until September 28, 2020.  The penalty for failure to comply is $200.

The mandate require all individuals age five and older to wear a face covering if:

1. The individual is indoors or in an enclosed space, other than a private residence.
2. Another person or persons who are not members of the individual’s household are present in the same room or enclosed space.

Both of the above conditions must be met for the mandate to apply.  However, the order says masks are “recommended” outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

The term “enclosed space” is defined as a confined space, open to the public, where individuals congregate, including but not limited to outdoor bars, outdoor restaurants, taxis, public transit, ride-share vehicles, and outdoor park structures.

Exceptions include:

1. Eating or drinking.
2. Communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
3. Obtaining services that require the covering be removed, i.e., dental services.
4. Sleeping.
5. Swimming or working as a lifeguard.
6. Public speaking, if a distance of at least 6 feet is maintained.
7. Work where a mask would create a safety risk.
8. Identity confirmation, such as at a bank, credit union, or other financial institution.
9. When federal or state law would otherwise prohibit a face covering.

The mandate also discourages the use of N95 masks or other medical-grade supplies in order to preserve the limited supplies for health care professionals.

The full act can be read here:  Face Covering Mandate.

Continue to follow our blog for updates as more information becomes available.