EMERGENCY ORDER #1 WISCONSIN RESOLUTION

Relating to preventing the spread of COVID-19 by requiring face coverings in certain situations

WHEREAS, on July 30, 2020, I issued Executive Order #82, declaring a public health emergency to combat the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 throughout the State of Wisconsin;

WHEREAS, on July 26, 2020, the President’s COVID-19 task force recommended that Wisconsin consider adopting a statewide face covering requirement due to the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases;

WHEREAS, face coverings are a proven, effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 without having a significant impact on people’s day-to-day lives;

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has called on Americans to wear face coverings, with the CDC director stating, “[c]loth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities”;

WHEREAS, published scientific research has shown that the probability of transmission during exposure between a person infected with COVID-19 to an uninfected person is 17.4 percent if face coverings are not worn, and 3.1 percent if face coverings are worn;

WHEREAS, modeling by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that a face covering requirement in Wisconsin could save more than 500 lives by October 1 if 95 percent ofWisconsinites wear a face covering in public;

WHEREAS, states across the nation have recognized the importance and effectiveness offace coverings, with 31 states implementing requirements for face coverings in different settings, including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New

Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia;

WHEREAS, Wisconsin must do its part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, which is leading the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is not only a threat to public health, but also to our economy;

WHEREAS, widesprea d use of face coverings will slow the sprea d of COVID-19, allowing Wisconsin’s economy to move forward by making sure businesses can stay open and jobs are available;

111. While obtaining a service that requires the temporary removal of the face covering, such as dental services.

1v. While sleeping.
v. While swimming or on duty as a lifeguard.

v1. While a single individual is giving a religious, political, media, educational, artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical presentation for an audience, the single speaker may remove the face covering when actively speaking. While the face covering is removed, the speaker must remain at least 6 feet away from all other individuals at all times.

v11. When engaging in work where wearing a face covering would create a risk to the individual, as determined by government safety guidelines.

v111. When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity, including when entering a bank, credit union, or otherfinancial institution.

ix. When federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering.

b. In accordance with CDC guidance, the following individuals are exempt from the face covering requirement in Section 2:

1. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 are encouraged to wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible. The CDC does not recommend masks for children under the age of 2.

11. Individuals who have trouble breathing.
111. In_dividuals who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise

unable to remove the face covering without assistance.

1v. Individuals with medical conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or other sensory sensitivities that prevent the individual from wearing a face covering.

v. Incarcerated individuals. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections shall continue to comply with COVID-19protocols to ensure the health and safety of its staff and individuals in its care. Local governments are stronglyencouraged to continue or create COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of their staff and individuals in their care.

4. LEGISLATURE AND JUDICIARY. State facilities or offices under the control of the Wisconsin State Legislature or the Wisconsin Supreme Court are exempt from this Order. The Wisconsin State Legislature and the Wisconsin Supreme Court may establish guidelines for face coverings that are consistent with the specific needs of their respective branches of government.

5. PRESERVATION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES. To conserve limited supplies of N95 masks and other medical-grade supplies, individuals are discouraged from using such supplies as face coverings.

6. LOCAL ORDERS. This Order supersedes any local order that is less restrictive. Local governments may issue orders more restrictive than this Order.

7. ENFORCEMENT. This order is enforceable by civil forfeiture of not more than $200. Wis. Stat. § 323.28.

8. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstances is held to be invalid, the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other individuals or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.

9. DURATION. This Order shall enter into effect at 12:01 am on Saturday, August 1, 2020. This Order shall expire on September 28, 2020, or by a subsequent superseding emergency order.