Gov. Tony Evers today 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 clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, and will expire on September 28, 2020.
A spokesperson for the governor confirmed to the WASB that the order requiring face coverings is intended to apply to schools.
Further, the Governor’s order supercedes any less restrictive local orders that may already be in place.
Although the order mandating the use of face coverings does not explicitly mention schools, it requires that “every individual, age five and older, in Wisconsin shall wear a face covering if both of the following apply:
a. The individual is indoors or in an enclosed space, other than at a private residence; and;
b. Another person or persons who are not members of individual’s household or living unit are present in the same room or enclosed space.” (emphasis added)
The WASB staff is currently reviewing the order. We have a number of questions about how it applies in certain school situations. We will be seeking clarifications from the governor’s office and will provide updates as warranted.
See Executive Order #82 order declaring a public health emergency.
See the order mandating the use of face coverings.
