GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The CDC’s new guidance on masks comes as planning ramps up for outdoor events and amenities in our area, including in downtown Green Bay.
The city still has a mask mandate, but it doesn’t include the outside. It also might expire at the end of next week.
After a summer away from its normal location, the Farmers’ Market On Broadway will be back on Broadway starting May 26.
“The biggest thing we can really do is encourage the public to work together to wear a mask,” said Allie Thut, Director of Special Events for On Broadway, Inc.
Before the pandemic, the market would routinely draw thousands of people every warm Wednesday night.
The CDC says for large gatherings like that, vaccinated people should still wear masks. For smaller gatherings, with other vaccinated people, masks are no longer necessary, according to the new guidance.
Thut says education, including signs, will be used to encourage people to keep masks on at the market.
“If we want these events to continue and for us to all stay safe, we all have to join together and follow the rules,” said Thut.
Thut tells FOX she’s not sure whether the CDC’s updates will impact attendance either positively or negatively.
Across the river, those helping provide more outdoor dining options anticipate the recommendations will probably influence more people to get out.
“I just think people feel, still, I think a little more comfortable outdoors than maybe in an enclosed restaurant at this time,” said James Anderson, Assistant Parks Director for the City of Green Bay.
Downtown Green Bay, Inc. is planning to add more temporary tables and seating on the CityDeck, similar to what was done last summer in the nearby Adams Street parking lot.
“We just thought it was a great opportunity to activate this space, hopefully help out the downtown businesses and also get people outdoors and safely gathered so they can come together and hopefully eat some lunch and enjoy the view of the downtown CityDeck here,” said Anderson.
The city’s parks committee will discuss the proposal to add the tables and seating at its meeting tonight.
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