BROWN COUNTY (NBC 26) — Following the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that struck down Gov. Tony Evers' statewide mask mandate, Brown County Public Health issued an advisory asking people to continue wearing masks.
Brown County Public Health (BCPH) said this new advisory is not an order or mandate. BCPH says it cannot currently issue an enforceable mask order without authority from the County Board being provided in the form of an ordinance.
The new Health Advisory says that everyone age five and older should wear a face covering or mask when in any enclosed building where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, could be present, and when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained or guaranteed.
“Brown County Public Health has been consistent with recommending the use of masks throughout this pandemic,” said Anna Destree, Brown County Public Health Officer. “While vaccinations are underway, it’s important to continue to follow masking, social distancing, and hand washing recommendations, since we are starting to see variants in the Northeast Region and want to prevent a surge of COVID-19 cases. Now more than ever, it’s important that we do not let our guards down. The sooner we reach our goal of vaccinating 80% of the community, the sooner we will be able to return to the life we knew before COVID-19.”
Per the advisory, BCPH says people should wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when in public, including in businesses, health care settings, when waiting in line, and on public transportation. Exceptions can be made for eating and drinking, or for people with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear a mask.