APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton’s mayor issued a proclamation Tuesday urging residents to wear face coverings in public spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Mayor Jake Woodford tells FOX 11 the increase in COVID-19 cases in the city show a need for the proclamation.
“The debate over mask mandates, enforcement, and penalties at the local level has distracted from the most important points on this issue. Face coverings do make a difference and we have a responsibility to one another to wear them when we can and should, and that a coordinated statewide approach will serve all Wisconsinites better in the long run.”
Exceptions to the proclamation are expected for those with health issues.
The proclamation urges residents to follow the recommendation to wear a mask in public, it is not a mandate or requirement.
Woodford says a mandate is not completely off the table.
“I think it’s possible the Appleton Common Council could take up a discussion around an ordinance to make masks mandatory in the community. But I believe this is the right next step for us as a community. Really to ask our fellow citizens to join us in this effort.”
FOX 11 spoke to Appleton Common Council President Kyle Lobner. He says council will be keeping its options open.
A mandate could be considered if people don’t wear masks accordingly, Lobner added. Although, he hopes the proclamation will encourage people to mask up.
Woodford says he’s doing what he feels is in his power.
“We need a coordinated statewide effort to attack this virus. The continued refusal on the part of the legislature and the governor to work together on developing that really puts us in a difficult position at the local level.”
The city’s health department will be tracking cases to see if this proclamation reduces spread.
“We’re looking about 28 days out before we see a meaningful impact from today’s proclamation,” Appleton Health Officer Kurt Eggebrecht said.
Chris Stock and his second-grade daughter say they always have their masks at the ready.
“I really think it should be mandated like what Green Bay has. Just because I know some people are less than happy about it. But it’s definitely important and a step that needs to be taken.”
Jason Engelhart tells FOX 11 he understands the need for masks in large gatherings, but he isn’t thrilled when wearing a mask become enforced.
“It should be up to that person. Not either wear a face mask or I’m going to give you a 50-hundred dollar fine. That’s not how the world should work.”
There are no penalties for people who don’t comply with the Appleton’s face mask proclamation.
Both the City of Appleton and Outagamie County are requiring people to wear face masks in city- or county-owned facilities.
Meanwhile, the City of Green Bay requires masks in all indoor areas open to the public and on public transportation.
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