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1. Why do we have a mask ordinance?

Wearing masks will slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.  www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html.  This disease is spread through little drops from the mouth, nose and lungs, passed from an infected person to others.  Cloth masks and non-surgical grade disposable masks help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others.  Slowing the spread will save lives and reduce the burden on our health care system.  Wearing a mask is easy and the least restrictive way we can get back on track.

2. What is a mask?

A mask is any face covering that fully covers the wearer’s mouth and nose.  This can be made of cloth and can be securely tied to the ears or around the head, so that it doesn’t slip.

3. Do face shields count as masks?

No. Under the State order, face shields are not acceptable face coverings.

4. Who has to wear a mask?

All persons 

• in the State of Wisconsin,
• over 5 years old, 
• while indoors or in an enclosed space, and
• when other people are present in that space

5. Where do I need to wear a mask?

 Every person must wear a mask whenever these two things are true:

• They are indoors or in an enclosed space, other than a private residence, and
• When there are other people present, who aren’t in that person’s household.

This includes but is not limited to: restaurants, stores, barber shops, salons, public buildings such as schools, government buildings and museums, gyms, hallways, lobbies, and offices.

6. When will the mask ordinance end?

The State order requiring masks expires on September 28, 2020.

7. Where can I get a mask?

The City of Green Bay distributed several thousand masks, both disposable and reusable, at Casa ALBA, COMSA and Boys and Girls Club.  There are also masks available for visitors to the Bay Beach Pavilion.

Many thoughtful and resourceful community members have made masks, and are giving them away.  Check with neighbors, co-workers, friends and family, and also with the volunteer center, https://volunteergb.org/

Stores and web-based retailers sell masks, both disposable and reusable (which need to be washed with soap and water after every use).  Please check places such as Target, CVS, Walmart and Amazon.  

8. Who doesn’t have to wear a mask?

• People who have trouble breathing.
• People who are unconscious or incapacitated.
• People who are unable to remove their mask without assistance.
• People with who shouldn’t wear a face covering due to medical conditions, mental health conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities or other sensory sensitivities.
• People communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• People who are sleeping.
• People who are swimming or on duty as a lifeguard.
• People who can’t wear a face covering while working because it would create a risk to them, as determined by government safety guidelines.
• People who are receiving services that require the temporary removal of the face covering, such as dental services.
• People who are eating or drinking.
• People speaking to an audience or performing may remove their mask.  Speakers must socially distance (staying six feet away) from other performers as well as listeners.  
• Masks are also not required:
  • Whenever federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering.
  • When it’s necessary to evaluate or verify a person’s identity.

9. What happens if I have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents me from wearing a mask? Do I need to show proof?

You do not need to show proof to an employee, business owner or manager in order to be exempted from wearing a mask.  

10. Can I donate masks?

Yes! We are looking for volunteers to help make face masks or coverings of any kind for community members in need based on the new ordinance that became effective on Monday, July 27, 2020. Volunteers are asked to contact Eric Sponholtz at 920-600-0188 to coordinate the drop-off of completed materials at the Volunteer Center, as the center is currently open by appointment only.