Public Health Madison & Dane County

Beginning at 8:00am on Monday, July 13, 2020, people 5 years and older in Dane County must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when indoors in public settings, which includes in businesses, health care facilities, waiting in line, and on public transportation. (See Order)

Not everyone can wear a mask, or is required to

Some people with disabilities, physical or mental conditions, and people under 5 are not required to wear masks because doing so may cause harm to that person.

We all have a role to play with this new Order

Let’s start with our role, as Public Health Madison & Dane County. We’ve created a team that evaluates complaints about noncompliance with the Order. Complaints and concerns should not be sent to law enforcement. Our team will determine the best way to provide education to individuals and businesses that are noncompliant, with the goal of providing education first, before moving towards enforcement. Concerns and complaints about businesses can be emailed to compliance@publichealthmdc.com. This email address is not to be used to complain about individuals not wearing masks.

When we see businesses or individuals who continue to violate the Order despite our attempts to educate, enforcement will be necessary. Citations issued within the City of Madison amount to $376. If issued outside of Madison, under the County ordinance the ticket amount will be $263.50.

Leave the enforcing to us

We already talked about the role that we as Public Health Madison & Dane County have in regards to the new Order. You have a role too. Your job is to wear your mask and stay six feet away from others. It’s not to ask someone why they aren’t wearing a mask, or to intervene if they aren’t. Some people have disabilities or health conditions where wearing a mask is difficult or dangerous, and sometimes their disabilities and health conditions may not always be visible.

Your job is also to always assume that someone is wearing a mask to protect themselves and you from COVID-19. It’s not to assume that they’re wearing one to conceal their identity, commit crimes, or because they have COVID-19 and are contagious.

Your mask protects me, and mine protects you

It’s been said repeatedly that we are all in this together. It may now seem clichéd, but it’s never been more true. Masks, also known as cloth face coverings, help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of the virus when they are widely used by people in public settings. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when masks are used along with other preventive measures , including physical distancing , frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Masks are a part of our new normal, so #MaskUpMadison and #MaskUpDane, and let’s help keep one another healthy and safe.