MADISON, Wis. — Public health authorities in Dane County have issued an indoor mask mandate, citing a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The mandate goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 and applies to everyone ages 2 and older. The order will expire Sept. 16.
“We still believe vaccines are our best tool to protect our community,” said Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “But as cases continue to increase, requiring face coverings is an easy added layer of protection to further help keep people safe, including our youngest children not yet eligible to be vaccinated.”
In late July, health officials made an announcement strongly encouraging everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask indoors, citing new CDC guidance.
When that recommendation was made, the county’s 7-day average number of new cases was 19. As of Aug. 12, the 7-day average had increased by 382% to 91.6.
PHMDC officials said they’re asking local businesses to post signs reminding customers and staff of the requirement.
“Public Health has updated policies and recommendations throughout the pandemic based on current local conditions and the latest scientific data,” Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said. “As virus spread is fueled by the prevalence of the delta variant, it is clear that we need to use all of our tools to keep our community safe; and that means getting vaccinated and wearing masks.”
The county’s previous mask mandate, which was in place for 11 months, expired on June 2.
Read PHMDC’s full public health order here.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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