UPDATE: Shorewood's mask policy passed late Wednesday night. Read the latest here.
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The Shorewood Village Board is considering making masks mandatory. Trustees unanimously supported the idea of a face-covering requirement in Shorewood. However, they have not agreed on what it will look like. The debate for an ordinance is still underway at 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
The ordinance is still under consideration. As of 11:05 p.m. Wednesday, the board has made some amendments that change the mask requirements to all people to the age of four-years-old and older.
Masks would be mandated in all indoor spaces open to the public. For restaurants and bars, you have to wear a mask unless you are eating or drinking. Outdoors masks would be required when you are within six feet of another person
So far there has been no decision for what the penalty will be if you do not comply.
Residents spoke out for hours during a special meeting of the Shorewood Village Board.
“I’m in favor of a mask requirement for both indoors and outdoors,” said resident Liz Nelson.
“It sounds like among many others who feel the same who do not feel safe in going into my community,” said Jeanne Salmon.
For nearly two hours a majority of residents at a special Shorewood Village board meeting spoke out in favor of a mask mandate. But there were a few community members strongly against any mask requirements in the village.
“Wearing of masks I believe is unhealthy. You are re-breathing your moist air and germs,” said resident Slava Strogolov.
“At what point is enough, enough when we look at masks,” said resident Nick Plummer.
“I absolutely support a mask recommendation to wear masks in public places. I do not support a mask requirement of masks worn indoors,” said resident Patricia Haugh.
Wednesday night, the board considered a mask requirement that would make people wear a mask outside and inside any buildings opened to the public in Shorewood. That includes schools.
One trustee says specifically she wanted all children that could wear masks, wear them heading to school.
“If we are going to send four-year-olds into K4 they need to be wearing masks,” said Jessica Carpenter, Village Board Trustee.
The school district’s recreation director says they also want it.
“We definitely are pro-masks. We strongly recommend masks at all of our activities,” said Jody Brooks, Shorewood School District Recreation Director.
Finally, Shorewood businesses also spoke out. There was some concern about if an office worker was by themselves or only worked with a few people would have to wear a mask if they worked separately. Shorewood leaders wanted some exceptions there, but most businesses say they still wanted masks.
“I have not heard any of our business express anything negative about mask-wearing,” said Steph Salvia, executive director of the Shorewood Business Improvement District.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
