OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. — Outagamie County Public Health has issued an order that requires face coverings until further notice.
The order comes a day after the state Supreme Court overturned the statewide mask mandate.
“Continuing to practice proven mitigation strategies such as social distancing, hand washing and masking will reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Outagamie County Public Health Officer Natalie Vandeveld. “Meanwhile, Outagamie County Public Health is working closely with our partner agencies to continue our intensive efforts to vaccinate our community as quickly as possible. Choosing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine remains the best action one can take towards stopping further spread here in our communities.”
Voluntary compliance, education on the importance of wearing masks and widespread vaccination will continue to be the emphasis of the county’s efforts according to Outagamie County Board Chair Jeff Nooyen.
“The sooner we beat this disease the sooner our lives can return to normal," he said. "That includes thriving businesses, in-person schooling, and a chance to see our friends and family again. The only way to do that is by everyone masking up and getting vaccinated. These are very easy and effective steps to return to normalcy.”
The requirement is for people ages five and older if the individual is in an enclosed space other than a private residence and another person outside of the household is in that space.
There are exceptions for eating, drinking, and other situations.
The order says failure to follow the requirement can be a civil forfeiture that results in a $500 fine.
Similar orders are also in place in Oshkosh and De Pere. Many other municipalities have issued recommendations for masking in public.
