THE VALUED VOICE

Vol. 64, Issue 31
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Thursday, July 30, 2020

   

Governor Declares New Public Health Emergency, Indoor Mask Requirement

Citing a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases this month, Governor Tony Evers today declared a new statewide public health emergency, which stays in effect for the next 60 days unless revoked by the Governor or by a joint resolution of the Wisconsin State Legislature. The action is Executive Order #82. The declaration triggers certain state statutes granting the Governor special authority to issue orders that help protect the public.
 
The Governor simultaneously announced the first action under that authority: a statewide face coverings order that will take effect on August 1 and last until September 28, 2020. The order, with certain exceptions, requires all individuals age five or older to wear a face covering when indoors or in an enclosed space, which the order defines as including outdoor bars and restaurants, public transit and taxis and outdoor park structures. The order notes that the statewide action supersedes any local face coverings order that is less restrictive. The order also discourages individuals from using N95 masks “and other medical grade supplies” as face coverings, so that limited supplies of important personal protective equipment can be conserved.
 
“For weeks now, WHA and a host of other organizations  have been urging the public to wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear a mask when appropriate to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding said. “We continue to urge the public to embrace these strategies.”

This story originally appeared in the July 30, 2020 edition of WHA Newsletter

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Thursday, July 30, 2020

Governor Declares New Public Health Emergency, Indoor Mask Requirement

Citing a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases this month, Governor Tony Evers today declared a new statewide public health emergency, which stays in effect for the next 60 days unless revoked by the Governor or by a joint resolution of the Wisconsin State Legislature. The action is Executive Order #82. The declaration triggers certain state statutes granting the Governor special authority to issue orders that help protect the public.
 
The Governor simultaneously announced the first action under that authority: a statewide face coverings order that will take effect on August 1 and last until September 28, 2020. The order, with certain exceptions, requires all individuals age five or older to wear a face covering when indoors or in an enclosed space, which the order defines as including outdoor bars and restaurants, public transit and taxis and outdoor park structures. The order notes that the statewide action supersedes any local face coverings order that is less restrictive. The order also discourages individuals from using N95 masks “and other medical grade supplies” as face coverings, so that limited supplies of important personal protective equipment can be conserved.
 
“For weeks now, WHA and a host of other organizations  have been urging the public to wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear a mask when appropriate to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding said. “We continue to urge the public to embrace these strategies.”

This story originally appeared in the July 30, 2020 edition of WHA Newsletter

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