MADISON, Wis. — Dane County public health officials are scrapping the county’s mask mandate once the current order expires on June 2nd, citing CDC guidance that says it’s safe for fully vaccinated people to go mask-less indoors in many situations.
Public Health Madison & Dane County made the announcement Tuesday after teasing an update to public health guidance last week.
After June 2nd, the requirements in the current order will become recommendations, PHMDC director Janel Heinrich said Tuesday.
“On June 2nd, any option you choose is the right option for you,” Heinrich said.
“There may be people and businesses out there who still want mask policies in place after the orders end as masks still provide an additional layer of protection,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi in a statement. “We recommend that businesses take this time to consider next steps, while reminding patrons of the current order which remains in place.”
Last month, PHMDC announced lighter capacity restrictions for places like restaurants and bars, but indoor masking was still included in the order.
PHMDC’s decision comes days after Rock County lifted its mask mandate immediately in light of the CDC’s guidance. Officials in Dane County say they are not lifting the order immediately in order to give people time to adjust and get more kids vaccinated.
“This two-week window gives 12-15 year-olds more time to get vaccinated before all orders are lifted,” Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement. “I encourage all vaccinators, not just Public Health, to continue to prioritize vaccine equity and continue to outreach to and visit those communities who have been most affected by COVID-19.”
Officials estimate 75% of Dane County’s eligible population will be vaccinated by the time the current order expires on June 2nd.
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