GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Masks will soon be required in public spaces around Green Bay.
The city council voted 7-5 on Tuesday to create an ordinance mandating masks inside buildings the public has common access to. Those would include city buildings and many businesses.
Public comment on the proposal lasted almost three hours. The debate touched on the science behind masks, civil liberties, and enforcement ability.
Alders discussed a few amendments to the ordinance. Language was changed to make masks required in all common spaces.
A second amendment to clarify enforcement also passed. It makes businesses the first line of enforcement. Businesses would be able to require people to wear masks while inside. Police could be called for people who refuse and become disruptive. They would be subject to a fine for trespassing.
People are not required to wear masks at religious institutions or while they’re eating or drinking.
The mask mandate takes effect July 27th.
During a press conference on Monday, Mayor Eric Genrich and CEO of Bellin Health Chris Woleske; Ald. Randy Scannell; Amy Mazzariello, who owns Lion’s Mouth Bookstore; and Dr. Yolo Diaz all spoke about the potential mandate.
Scannell has proposed a face mask ordinance in the city. Last week, the city’s Protection and Policy Committee failed in a 2-2 vote to endorse the ordinance to the full council.
Woleske, along with other medical leaders in the area, have written letters to City Council and Brown County Board requesting masks be enforced.
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