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Proposed ordinance would require face masks in Milwaukee public spaces

Posted at 1:30 PM, Jun 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-01 07:09:37-04

MILWAUKEE -- Face masks would be required in all Milwaukee public spaces under a new ordinance proposed Tuesday by Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic.

The "MKE Cares" ordinance would implement "a citywide face mask mandate for public spaces," according to a news release.

"The science on face coverings is clear, as they help stop the spread of COVID 19 and save lives. When you wear a face mask during this pandemic, you are demonstrating care for our community," Alderwoman Dimitrijevic said. The fastest way to reopen our economy safely and return to a new normal is by covering your mouth and nose in public."

The Common Council's Public Safety and Health Committee is set to take up the legislation this Thursday, July 2. From there, Dimitrijevic says it is expected to go before the full Common Council for introduction on July 7, and then be referred "for a full hearing during a special Public Safety and Health Committee meeting on July 8," according to the news release.

"We are seeing far too many communities across the nation experiencing huge spikes in the spread of COVID-19 as they reopen and do not require people going to stores, restaurants, bars and other businesses to wear masks. A clear mask requirement can help us reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent us from joining those ‘hot spot’ locations where the virus is quickly infecting entire communities," Dimitrijevic said.

The proposed ordinance will be closely modeled after Los Angeles' existing policy.

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