"DATE OF ORDER: August 17, 2021
Goes into effect August 19, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
Reducing the spread of illness, preventing severe outcomes, and death are foundational public
health goals of managing the pandemic. Due to the prevalent spread of the Delta variant of
COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidance which
indicated individuals in areas with a substantial or high transmission rate of COVID-19 should
wear face coverings whenever they are indoors in public places. Madison and Dane County
have a high transmission rate of COVID-19. While Dane County has a high vaccination rate,
evidence has emerged from the CDC and locally that fully vaccinated people who do become
infected with the Delta variant can be infectious and can spread the virus to others. The rate of
cases in Dane County has risen rapidly since the Delta variant became dominant; on July 19, our
7-day average number of cases was 19, and on August 12, the 7-day average increased by 382%
to 91.6.
Vaccines are still highly effective in preventing severe outcomes from COVID, even with the
Delta variant, and are also still effective, but less so, in preventing infection. Considering the
high transmissibility of the Delta variant, masking, distancing, and ventilation remain key
prevention tools. In order to prevent more severe outcomes and to protect those who are
unable to be vaccinated, such as children under the age of 12, and those for whom vaccination
may be less effective, such as people who are immunocompromised, face coverings will be
required in most indoor situations in Dane County.
Based upon the foregoing, I, Janel Heinrich, Public Health Officer of Madison and Dane County,
by the authority vested in me by the Laws of the State, including, but not limited to, Wis. Stats.
Secs. 252.03(1), (2) and (4), order the following as necessary to prevent, suppress, and control
the spread of COVID-19:
Face Coverings.
Face covering means a piece of cloth or other material that is
worn to cover the nose and mouth completely. A face covering must be secured
to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head and
must fit snuggly but comfortably against the side of the face. Cloth face
coverings must be made with two or more layers of breathable fabric that is
tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a
light source). A face covering does not include bandanas, single layer neck
gaiters, face shields, goggles, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, shirt or sweater
collars pulled up over the mouth and nose, or masks with slits, exhalation valves,
or punctures.
a. Face Covering Required.
Every individual, age two (2) and older, shall
wear a face covering when:
i. In any enclosed space open to the public where other people,
except for members of the person’s own household or living unit
are present.
ii. Driving or riding in any form of public transportation.
b. Exceptions.
Individuals who are otherwise required to wear a face
covering may remove the face covering in the following situations:
i. While eating or drinking.
ii. When communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of
hearing and communication cannot be achieved through other
means.
iii. While obtaining a service that requires the temporary removal of
the face covering, such as dental services.
iv. While sleeping.
v. While swimming or on duty as a lifeguard.
vi. When engaging in work where wearing a face covering would
create a risk to the individual, as determined by government
safety guidelines.
vii. When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity, including
when entering a financial institution.
viii. When federal or state law or regulations permit the removal of a
face covering..."
Madison/Dane County Face Covering
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