NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Milwaukee Common Council set to vote on potential mask ordinance Monday

Posted
and last updated

MILWAUKEE — It may soon be required to wear masks in Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Common Council will vote on an ordinance to require masks in public spaces on Monday.

Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic is leading up the effort, and it passed out of the Public Health and Safety Committee last week.

Under the ordinance, anyone age 3 and older would have to wear a face-covering in buildings open to the public, as well as any outdoor public space when it's not possible to stay six feet away from people not in the same family or household.

There are some exceptions, some of which include medical conditions or religious reasons.

The ordinance says the Milwaukee Health Department should fine businesses that don't comply, but it doesn't specify how outdoor spaces will be enforced.

Charlotte Hughes is a nurse with Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, and she supports a mask ordinance.

"I just think it's one simple way we can all protect ourselves and protect others," Hughes said.

It frustrates her to see people out not wearing masks.

"I've been taking care of COVID-19 patients, and I feel bad if I'm out here not wearing a mask."

Not many people could be seen wearing masks throughout Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon, but many people who weren't said they still support a mask ordinance.

Some believe an ordinance is the only way to make sure people wear them.

"I don’t know what I would do if my infant son got COVID-19, how can infants immune system fight that?" said Desaray Hayward. "People should consider other people’s feelings at this point and other people’s lives."

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip

Coronavirus in Wisconsin

More data on Wisconsin's vaccination progress here.

Find a vaccination site here.

Check out county-by-county coronavirus case numbers here.

More information: COVID-19 on the Wisconsin DHS website

Latest news and headlines here.