APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – State lawmakers continue to debate Governor Tony Evers mask mandate. Now local governments leaders are looking at what the plan is, if the mandate is overturned.
Fox 11 asked, “what is the county considering if the mask mandate is repealed?”
“Well first off I should say we shouldn’t really be having this discussion,” said Tom Nelson, Outagamie County Executive. “We all know the best thing we can do during Covid is to wear a mask.”
We asked local leaders what their plans will be if it is repealed. Nelson said he supports masking.
“What we’re talking about is a hypothetical. We don’t know what’s going to happen we need to do in the mean time we need to be really clear and communicate that despite what’s going on in Madison.”
Nelson also says the county board of supervisors also supports masking.
“Last week the Outagamie County Board of Supervisors passed on a vote 31 to 3 near unanimous vote on how they were supporting the governors requirement.”
As for the City of Appleton, Mayor Jake Woodford issued a proclamation. Encouraging everyone to wear masks, but, not be required.
A similar plan stands for Calumet County. They would consider a mask recommendation.
Calumet County Public Health Officer Bonnie Kolbe told Fox 11, “as with anything, this could change based on any future conversations with Administration, Corporation Counsel, and our board.”
Winnebago County’s Public Health Officer, Doug Gieryn, says the evidence is there to support masking. With the County Board’s approval, they will issue their own mask mandate. If it is repealed by the State.
“We still want that mask mandate in place for Winnebago county what’s why we issued the order.”
Gieryn says the mandate has support from parts of their community.
“Really our business community is behind this and I think we all know its good to keep in place and keep us safe.”
The legality of the Governor’s order is also before the state supreme court.
