MILWAUKEE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- The City of Milwaukee appears to be one step closer to possibly moving forward with a mandatory mask policy in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"The time to act is now, we cannot stand by while new cases soar, school reopening discussions are taking place, and people continue to die," wrote Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, the MKE Cares ordinance sponsor, in a statement released Monday night. "We won’t look back and regret this science supported action to protect our loved ones, but we will regret it if we do not act. MKE Cares is built on compliance. We want you to do your part to help keep everyone safe."
Under the proposal, masks would be required in all indoor public places, outdoors within 30 feet of someone who is not "in one's family or household," and face coverings would be required for all "city employees and other persons on the premises of any city facility."
The propsoal would apply to anyone 2 years old and older, and certain exceptions would apply (full text of the proposed ordinance is below).
Penalties for violating the ordinance could range from $50 to $500.
A vote on the proposal could happen as soon as Wednesday, July 8.
"The support for MKE Cares has been overwhelming as those calling for a citywide policy include hundreds of business owners who co-signed a letter of support, more than 12,000 people adding their names to a [Change.Org] petition, our local healthcare providers voicing their support for mask wearing, and the countless other health professionals acknowledging that masks can help save lives," the statement from Ald. Dimitrijevic went on to read. "In my view this is an important moment for city government to do what is needed to protect the health and safety of our citizens, of essential workers, and the entire community. I look forward to the robust discussion that will take place around this ordinance in the coming days."
The proposed ordinance would require:
1. MASK REQUIRED INDOORS. For the duration of the ‘Moving Milwaukee Forward’ health and safety order, any person 2 years old or older who is present in the city of Milwaukee shall have possession of a face covering when the person leaves home or other place of residence and shall wear the face covering whenever the person is in an indoor public space.
2. MASK REQUIRED OUTDOORS. For the duration of the ‘Moving Milwaukee Forward’ health and safety order, any person 2 years old or older who is present in the city of Milwaukee shall have possession of a face covering when the person leaves home or other place of residence and shall wear the face covering whenever the person is in an outdoor public space and sees a person within 30 feet who is not a member of the person’s family or household.
3. MASK REQUIRED FOR CITY FACILITIES AND EMPLOYEES. The commissioner of public works and director of employee relations shall establish a face covering requirement policy for city employees and other persons on the premises of any city facility.
4. EXCEPTIONS. Exceptions for face coverings will be made under the following circumstances: a. Persons under 2 years of age. b. Persons who fall into the centers for disease control and prevention’s guidance for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or are otherwise covered under the Americans with disabilities act. c. Persons who have upper-respiratory chronic conditions and silent disabilities. d. Persons in settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear face coverings, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such as the receipt of dental services or medical treatments.
5. PENALTY. The health department shall enforce this section. Any business failing to enforce sub. 1, as determined by the health department, shall be given a warning and an opportunity for compliance, followed by a citation of not less that $50 nor more than $500. If a business fails to enforce sub. 1 more than twice, the commissioner of health may, with the powers vested under ch. 59 of the code, shut down the business to protect public health and stop the spread of the virus. A business has the right to refuse service to any person for failure to comply with sub. 1. If any person continues to violate sub. 1, a citation may be issued to the individual in lieu of the business.
Full text of the proposed ordinance: