Public Health Madison and Dane County today issued an emergency order that requires everyone age 5 or older to wear a face covering or mask when indoors and around people outside of their household.
Per the order, people must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when in public, which includes in businesses, health care settings, waiting in line and on public transportation. The order also requires individuals to wear face coverings when in someone else's home.
Exceptions are made for certain activities such as eating at a restaurant, but during those activities, 6 feet distancing of individuals not from the same household or living unit is required at all times. Some people are also exempted if they have a physical, mental or developmental condition that prevents them from wearing a mask.
People may use a face mask, scarf, bandana or other types of face coverings. The county plans to provide cloth masks to those in need. More information on how to obtain free masks will be available on the Dane County website soon.
The new order is effective 8 a.m. Monday, July 13.