On July 30, Governor Tony Evers declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions as described in the order. The order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and will expire on Monday, Sept. 28, unless another order is issued before that date.
Germs can spread from very small drops of water that come from your mouth. These germs can last on surfaces and can make others sick. Covering your mouth with a face covering will help these germs not spread. It is also important to use your elbow or a tissue to cover your cough and sneezes when you are not wearing a face covering.
Cloth face coverings, or face masks, are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and public health/healthcare professionals as an easy way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some questions and answers about the face covering requirement:
•When do I need to wear a face covering? You need to wear a face covering whenever you are indoors or in an enclosed space, other than a private residence, and other people are present in the same room or space.
•When do I not need to wear a face covering? You do not need to wear a face covering if you are at a private residence, you are outside, or you are indoors and no one else is present with you.
•I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a face covering. Do I need documentation to prove that I don’t need to wear a face covering in public? No, you do not need to carry documentation.
•Where can I get a face covering? You can get a face covering at the Waushara County Health Department, 230 W Park St, Wautoma. You can also make one or buy one at a store.
•What do I do if I see someone not wearing a mask? You should do nothing. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous.
If you have questions, please contact the Waushara County Health Department at 920-787-6590 or email them at public.health@co.waushara.wi.us. If you have complaints, please contact Waushara County Sheriff’s Department Non-Emergency line at 920-787-3321.
