Doctors suggest wearing masks, using extra caution at Wisconsin State Fair regardless of vaccination status

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58)-- Now, less than 24 hours away from the Wisconsin State Fair's big return, doctors are worried a big event isn't the best idea.

The State Fair skipped 2020 due to the pandemic. 

"After not having a fair last year, we're overjoyed to be open this year," Benno Weigel, a fair vendor, said.

After 35 years with the Wisconsin State Fair, this is Weigel's first having to think about COVID-19 precautions.

"We're following the CDC guidelines, like everybody else," Weigel said.

People going to the fair this weekend will notice some differences, like extra sanitizer stations throughout the grounds and cashless admissions.

"We do encourage people who are planning on coming to the State Fair, or considering attending the State Fair, to make the decisions that feel best for them in terms of their health and safety," Public Relations Manager for the Wisconsin State Fair Tess Kerksen said.

Even with the added precautions, doctors worry it's not enough.

CBS 58 asked an infectious disease physician with Advocate Aurora Health if an event like the State Fair is safe for unvaccinated people.

"Probably not, but as long as we take precautions, hopefully we can make it safer, " Dr. Minhaj Husain said.

Whether you're vaccinated or not, doctors suggest avoiding crowds, staying outside and wearing a mask, which isn't required on fair grounds.

"Any large gathering, including the State Fair, would put patients, put people at risk," Husain said.

If you're not vaccinated yet, Gov. Tony Evers suggests the State Fair is a good place to get it done, even offering an incentive.

"We're going to be giving out cream puffs to people who get vaccinated," Evers said.

A vaccination clinic will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the fair.

After getting your shot, you'll be able to take a voucher to the Cream Puff Pavilion.