Frequently Asked Questions about Evers face mask requirement
Cloth face coverings (or face masks) are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and healthcare professionals as an easy way to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.
Rates of COVID-19 have significantly increased in Wisconsin as more people return to work and have more interactions in public. Wearing face coverings is the simplest way to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus without requiring people stay in their homes.
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. For example, you must wear a mask while you are shopping in a store or using a taxi.
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.
You can also remove your face covering in the following situations:
- When you are eating or drinking.
- When you are communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing and you cannot communicate while wearing a mask.
- While sleeping (e.g., firefighters sleeping at a fire station).
- While swimming or being on duty as a life guard.
- When you are giving a religious, political, media, educational, artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical presentation for an audience, so long as you have at least 6 feet between you and other individuals.
- When you are working if wearing a face covering poses a safety risk, as determined by government safety guidelines or regulations.
- When you need to temporarily remove your face covering to confirm your identify, such as entering a bank, credit union, or other financial institution or when having to show that you match your identification card when buying alcohol.
- When engaging in activities where federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering.
Do I need to wear a face covering indoors, even if I can physically distance from other people at all times?
Yes, you need to wear a face covering indoors unless you are at a private residence or you’re the only person in the room.
Do I need to wear a face covering when I exercise?
It depends on where you are exercising. You do not need to wear a face covering if you are exercising in a private residence or outdoors. For example, you do not need to wear a mask if you are riding your bike on a trail. But you do need to wear a face covering if you are exercising indoors or in an enclosed space and other people are present, such as a gym, a cycling studio, or hotel workout room.
Do I need to wear a face covering when eating, drinking, or sleeping in indoor places other than my home?
No. But you must put your face covering on again when you are done with these activities. For example, while you’re waiting for your table or waiting for a server to come take your order, keep your mask on. This includes outdoor restaurant and bar areas.
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 are not required to carry documentation to prove that you do not need to wear a face covering in public.
Does this order apply to private residences that are also used for business activity, such as a massage therapist who operates out of their home?
No, the order does not apply to private residences.
Where can I get a face covering?
You can make a face covering. The CDC provides both sew and no-sew instructions.
You can buy a face covering from a store, including online stores.
Also, many communities have programs where individuals can get a face covering for free. Check your neighborhood groups and community organizations for such programs.
Can I wear a face shield instead of a face covering?
No. A face shield does not provide the same protections as a face covering. You are free to wear a face shield in addition to a face covering. But a face shield cannot be used in place of a face covering that would otherwise be required by this order.
There may be situations where a face shield can be used instead of a face covering if you are engaging in work where wearing a face covering would create a risk to you, as determined by government safety guidelines, or if you are engaging in activities where federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering. But that will depend on the specific government safety guidelines.
Are face coverings required inside businesses and office spaces?
Yes, unless an exception applies.
Do I need to wear a face covering when in my car, in a ride-share service, or on public transportation?
The only time you need to wear a face covering in your own car is if you’re traveling with people from another household. You have to wear a mask if you’re using a ride-share or on public transportation.
Where can I get more information on how to wear a face covering, safe practices for putting it on and taking it off, and when to wash face coverings?
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has information on its website on wearing, cleaning, and making face coverings (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/protect.htm). Additional information can be found on the US. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/clothface-cover-guidance.html).
Will businesses be required to provide face coverings for their employees or customers?
No. But many businesses may decide to offer face coverings to employees or customers and are encouraged to do so.
How will the face covering order be enforced?
Local and state officials may enforce the order. Violating the order may result in a civil fine up to $200.
What do I do if I see someone not wearing a mask, even though they should be?
Nothing. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous. Just wear your mask and stay six feet away.
What do I do if someone is harassing me for wearing a mask?
No one should have to endure harassment, for any reason. Contact your local law enforcement.
What if the town or city I live in already has a face covering or mask order?
The Governor’s order sets a minimum bar. If your local government has stricter requirements, those requirements must be followed.
Gov. Evers Issues Executive Order Declaring Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2020 |
| Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-7443 |
| Gov. Evers Issues Executive Order Declaring Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide |
| MADISON — 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 or by a subsequent superseding order. Executive Order #82 declaring a public health emergency is available here and Emergency Order #1 requiring face coverings statewide is available here. “While our local health departments have been doing a heck of a job responding to this pandemic in our communities, the fact of the matter is, this virus doesn’t care about any town, city, or county boundary, and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve said all along that we’re going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what’s best for the people of our state, so that’s what I am going to do.” Wisconsin is seeing new and significant community spread and increase in cases of COVID-19 which requires that we declare a new public health emergency and require face coverings. Wisconsin has experienced a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the entire state, with 61 of 72 counties (84 percent) representing 96 percent of the state’s population experiencing high COVID-19 activity. All regions of Wisconsin have high COVID-19 activity levels. This is a dramatic increase from where Wisconsin was in June, when only 19 of 72 counties (26%) were experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The average number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 has drastically increased throughout July, with an average of 556 new cases each day between July 1-7, an average of 764 new cases each day between July 8-14 (a 37% increase from the previous week), an average of 890 new cases each day between July 15-21 (a 16% increase from the previous week), and an average of 938 new cases each day between July 22-26 (a 5% increase from the previous week). Under this order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. Face coverings are strongly recommended if you are outdoors and maintaining physical distancing is not possible. The order also enumerates exceptions to the requirement, listing activities such as when an individual is eating, drinking, or swimming. Individuals with health conditions or disabilities that would preclude the wearing of a face covering safely are also exempt from the requirement. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is available here. “The data is what drives our decisions, and that data tells us we have significant community spread in Wisconsin and need to take statewide action,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Community spread means that any interaction out in the community can mean exposure, and because people can spread COVID-19 without symptoms or even knowing they are sick, we need to take universal precautions in order for wearing face coverings to be effective.” As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the medical and scientific community continues to learn more about the virus, including how to best prevent its transmission. Recent scientific studies show that wearing face coverings is very effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. “Staying home, limiting interactions, practicing physical distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly are still the most effective ways to stop the spread,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer and the State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases. “But we learn something new about this virus every day. A growing number of scientific studies tell us that face coverings, when used correctly and consistently by a large percentage of the community, are extremely effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets.” For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19. |
Due to Covid-19 Risks, Clark County Government Operations Now Requires Face Covering
Clark County Board Chairman Wayne Hendrickson and County Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Christina Jensen have determined that a public health risk exists and as a result have implemented policies to minimize the risk to employees and visitors to Clark County offices/facilities. These restrictions apply to Clark County government operations and offices/facilities only. Beginning Monday, July 27, 2020
employees and visitors to Clark County government offices and other county facilities will be required to wear a face covering in order to enter and while at the office/facility. Certain exceptions apply including
children 2 years old or younger and persons with medical condition that prevent them from wearing a face covering. This face covering requirement will apply anytime employees and visitors are at a county facility and social distancing of 6 feet is not possible. ” Wearing face coverings, staying home when ill, washing hands, practicing social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings and crowds are simple measures everyone can take to protect themselves and others. The more things we can do to mitigate our risk of
exposure, the better off we all are,” stated Brittany Mews, Health Officer. Please bring your own face covering when entering Clark County facilities. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at entrances to
county buildings. If you enter a county facility and are unwilling to comply with the face covering requirements for reasons other than medical needs, you may be asked to leave and conduct your business through alternate means. If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, please stay home
and conduct your business through alternate means and avoid in person visits, and contact your healthcare provider.
Clark County Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Christina Jensen stated, “These requirements are being put in place to protect employees and visitors to Clark County facilities. Cooperation with these
requirements is necessary and appreciated.”
Clark County is currently classified as “High Activity” for COVID-19 based on Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) rating criteria. Clark County also currently has one of the highest incidence rates
(number of cases per 100,000 people) of COVID-19 in our part of the state. This information, along with other county and regional data is available via the Wisconsin DHS website at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/local.htm. This data is updated weekly. Maps of case counts by
census tract can also be found on the DHS website at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/casesmap.htm .This map is updated daily and shows color codes for census tracts with more than 4 cases.
Those with fewer than 4 cases are not shaded in but that does not mean that cases have not occurred in those areas. Clark County is requesting the public’s assistance to help contain the spread of the current pandemic.
The public should avoid non-essential visits to county offices and facilities including the Courthouse, Highway Department, and Adult Development Services. Please use alternate means of communicating
Clark County Health Dept – Covid 19 Business Toolkit
Latest on COVID-19 in Clark County
Stay up to date on outbreaks & official communications in Clark County Wiscoonsin. Click Here
Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting will continue as planned at 10:00 on Saturday April 25th, 2020. Please be prepared to follow social distancing rules of staying 6ft apart.
COVID-19
Letter from Chairman Gile in regards to COVID-19
Link to Wisconsin Outbreak Stats
Link to Clark County – COVID-19 Page
Governor Evers Emergency Order Emergency – Prohibiting Mass Gatherings
Clark County Health Department – 3/17 COVID-19 Notice
Clark County – Proclamation of County of Emergency
Vote Absentee Ballot
Deadlines:
April 3rd 5pm – Deadline to request your Absentee Ballot
April 13th – Deadline to receive your completed Absentee Ballot
Town of Mentor Citizens are encouraged to submit Absentee Ballots to vote in the upcoming Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary on April 7, 2020. You may obtain an absentee ballot application by following the link below. If you have any questions please call 715-964-1019.
Helpful Links:
- Complete application for Absentee Ballot through MyVote Wisconsin
- Download the Application for Absentee Ballot
- Download the Register to Vote application
- Visit MyVote Wisconsin
- Visit Wisconsin Election Commission
- Town of Mentor email: TOWNOFMENTOR@CENTURYTEL.NET
Notice – Assessor Revaluation
A revaluation assessment of all real and personal property for the municipality will be conducted from March 9th, 2020 through October 31st, 2020. Click here to see full notice
2019 Chairman Report
Hello Everyone!
I’m happy to report that 2019 is wrapping up to be another successful year for our Town. Our town is slowly moving forward with cleanup ordinances, infrastructure improvements, and community beatification projects. Although it’s been a challenge, I feel the positive impact it is having and hope that our residents have the same feeling as I do.
Following are only some of the noteworthy 2019 happenings that the town has been working on.
- 11 culverts and one alley way culvert were replaced. Some to a bigger size due to the amount of rain that we have been receiving.
- The town has been working with Core Engineering who has been assisting the town with applying for the two MLS grants. The MLS grants are 90 / 10 programs. First project is to rebuild King Street, the second is to replace the bridge on main street down by the dam.
- After extensive clean-up around the garage at the corner of Hwy. 12 and Clark St., the town cut down trees and began a large landscaping project which is projected to be completed sometime in 2020.
- The State awarded the town a grant to replace the bridge on Fairview Road. This project has begun with sample boring and soil testing. The project should be completed in 2022.
- In November of 2018 the town began negotiations with Express Disposal who wants to build a Transfer site on the land that they have acquired west of Hickman Rd. along Hwy. 10 The town has taken a stance against this. And we are still fighting with the help of the Town’s Attorney.
- The town will continue enforcing ordinances and updating out-of-date ordinances.
- The Town of Mentor also celebrated its 150th Sesquicentennial, and it was a great success. The town would like to thank everyone that attended the celebration and thank Sue Larson and the many others that helped made the 150th a great success.
On behalf of the Town Board I would like to thank the residents of the Town of Mentor for continually giving me the opportunity to serve you.
Thank you
Timothy Gile, Town Chairman
2020 Trash Schedule
Public Budget Hearing
Notice is hereby given that on November 12,2019 at 6 p.m. before the regular monthly town board meeting, in the Mentor Town Hall, N3049 King Street. A Public Hearing on the Proposed 2020 Budget for the Town of Mentor, Clark County, will be held. The proposed budget in detail will available for inspection by contacting the Town Clerk. Read the full notice
2020 Snow Plowing
It’s that time of year again. Keeping your driveway clear after a wet heavy snowfall can be challenging, specially if you’re not physically able or just don’t have the time due to work or other commitments.
The Town of Mentor offers plowing services to residents for nominal fee of $175 per winter season. To sign up this season you’ll need to sign a contract. For more details please call the towns office at (715) 964-1019
>>>> View Contract by Clicking here <<<<<
Humbird just celebrated it’s 150th Anniversary. Click here to see more
