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'Think about other people': Milwaukee's mask mandate goes into effect Thursday

Posted at 4:22 PM, Jul 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-16 08:19:35-04

Milwaukee's mask ordinance, the 'MKE Cares Act,' has officially gone into effect as of Thursday.

On Wednesday, state officials announced 821 new cases of coronavirus. That number is just below Tuesday's record of 964 cases.

Increasing cases are why locals like Shakur Hakia are getting tested, just as a precautionary measure. He said it's important for everyone to get tested and on Wednesday, he did his part.

“I want to know my status and if I had it or could potentially had it,” said Hakia.

To help stop the spread of the virus, Milwaukee’s mask mandate will go into effect Thursday. Anyone age 3 or older and inside public spaces, or outside where they cannot stay six feet away from each other, will be required to wear a mask.

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Tom Barrett shared recent conversations he had with three different individuals on the topic of masks. He said in each conversation, that person asked him for a mask mandate not for themselves, but for loved ones with medical issues.

“I think this is a time when people have to think about other people,” said Mayor Barrett.

The mayor said it’s important for everyone to comply.

“You might be 25 and think you’re Superman or Superwoman and Mr. and Mrs. Invincibility, but you may be asymptomatic and carrying the disease,” said Mayor Barrett.

Businesses that don't enforce the mask mandate could face fines up to $500 from the Health Department.

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