State mask mandate is in the best interest of Wisconsin residents

I want to applaud Governor Tony Evers for taking the necessary step of declaring a Public Health Emergency and issuing an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings. The order, which goes into effect August 1^st, requires individuals to wear face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions.

The science in support of wearing masks is clear, and this is why the Council unanimously passed the MKE Cares and Masks for All legislation introduced by Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic. Today’s decision by the Governor will help protect the safety and well-being of residents throughout the state, just as we have taken steps to protect residents in Milwaukee.

More information on the Governor’s order can be found here.

As of Wednesday, July 29 Milwaukee has seen 14,337 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the number of confirmed cases in Milwaukee County is creeping closer to 20,000. We know COVID-19 continues to affect urban areas across the country, but rural areas are seeing an impact as well.

In a story published today by Wisconsin Public Radio it was noted that Iron County in northern Wisconsin has the state’s highest rate of active COVID-19 infections. The story continues to state that four rural Wisconsin counties (Iron, Juneau, Langlade and Menominee) are the only counties in the state to have more active cases than recovered ones.

Such data indicates the need for masks in ALL areas of Wisconsin. Everyone has a role to play in defeating this virus, and today’s decision is a step toward doing just that.

Milwaukee residents can receive a mask free of charge by visiting the following sites:

• Keenan Health Center, 3200 N. 36^th Street, Monday –Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Road, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 1p.m.
• Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23^rd Street, Monday –Friday from 8 a.m. – 1p.m.
• Any of the 42 CITGO gas stations in Milwaukee courtesy of VISIT Milwaukee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

Residents, businesses and other organizations can also visit https://www.maskupmke.org/ for more resources and information on obtaining masks, and https://city.milwaukee.gov/coronavirus  for the latest COVID-19 news and updates.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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