County, city likely to continue mask rules; Plover to drop requirement

By Brandi Makuski

Portage Co. residents can expect a mask order from county government at some point in the near future.

County Executive Chris Holman said despite the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s 4-3 vote striking down Gov. Tony Evers’ emergency mask order, he’s asking residents to consider how masking up has helped slow, or stop, the spread of COVID in the area.

“Portage County reminds everyone of the positive results we’ve all benefitted from by following recommended safe practices throughout the past year,” Holman said in a lengthy press release on Wednesday. He added, “We have been looking through the ruling to identify all of the areas that will likely affect our response since the ruling is about more than just face coverings,” but stopped short of identifying any specifics of a county-level order, though it’s likely that masks will continue to be a requirement in county buildings.

Holman said information from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control show that masks do make a difference. Those guidelines are more important than ever, he said, “because of the potential for a surge in cases that could result from the highly transmissible variant strains of COVID-19, such as the ‘U.K. variant,’ which is currently the most prevalent variant in the state.”

“Residents can expect the county’s order to be issued within the next several days,” Holman said.

The city is also continuing to require masks inside city buildings.

“The [Supreme] Court ruling does not speak to any private business’s policies, nor does it override any local emergency order,” Mayor Mike Wiza said on March 31. “Masks will still be required to enter city buildings and will continue to be required until further notice.”

Plover Administrator Dan Mahoney said once the Court’s ruling takes effect on April 5, the village will no longer require wearing masks.

“That being said, the village will request that people wear masks until such time as the CDC and/or Wisconsin Department of Health advise that wearing a mask is no longer necessary,” Mahoney said.