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1. I’m going for a bike ride, a picnic, or a run outside in a public place. Do I need a mask?

Our summers are short and we are a community that values the outdoors.  So, if you’re going to be outside, whether engaged in leisure activity like picnicking or in exercise like bike riding, masks aren’t required, but encouraged.

2. What happens in a ride share, taxi or public transit?

All vehicles are “enclosed spaces” under the State mask order. If you’re in a taxi, ride-share service vehicle or using any form of public transportation, you, the driver and any other passengers will wear masks for the duration of the ride.

3. How can I eat in a restaurant or coffee shop with a mask on?

People in a restaurant, coffee shop, bar and the like, must wear a mask as they wait for their table.  Once at the table, people may take off the mask and consume their food and drinks freely.  If the restaurant patron gets up from the table, then that person should put their mask back on.

4. I saw someone without a mask in a grocery store. Should I call the police?

The goal of the ordinance is for persons in Green Bay to wear a mask inside public places. 

Also, the person you see may have a medical condition which prevents them from wearing a mask, but you wouldn’t know that.  We need to be kind and supportive neighbors in this very difficult and challenging time.  The best way to be supportive and kind is to leave the enforcement of the ordinance to the police.

5. Will the police arrest me if I don’t have a mask on?

Green Bay law enforcement needs everyone’s assistance as we navigate the current health emergency.  The City encourages everyone to wear masks, in accordance with Governor Evers’ mandate.  Law enforcement will refer all calls about the mask mandate to the Brown County Health Department.  Then Brown County Health will follow up on complaints and contact law enforcement, if needed.  

Brown County Public Health and Green Bay Police officers will first educate people about the importance of wearing a mask, and the need to comply with the Governor’s mandate.  We stress that local businesses and non-profits remain proactive in training employees and educating customers.  Our community goal is 100% compliance.  

The City stresses education around the mask mandate, and wants to assure the community that law enforcement will always respond, if called upon.  If there is an issue, Green Bay Police Department officers will work with the Brown County Health Department to take enforcement action.  A person may receive a civil forfeiture of up to $200, plus court costs.  If the person engages in other unlawful conduct, then more serious consequences may follow. 

6. I’m having a private party in a rented public space. Do my guests need to wear masks?

Yes. If the party is being held in a space that is not a private residence, and any of the guests are not members of the same household or living unit, the State mask order applies, and everyone needs to wear masks. You and your guests should follow the same rules as restaurants:

• Eating/drinking—no need to wear a mask
• Up from the table—wear a mask