Evers: decision coming soon on possible vaccine mandate for state employees

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers, D-WI, said Tuesday, Sept. 7, he is still thinking about new state orders to curb COVID-19.

"I've thought about it," Evers said. "I think about it daily."

But the governor said he thinks the best option is reaching herd immunity by getting Wisconsinites vaccinated.

"We have a solution," Evers said. "It's a shot. It's that simple. Get a shot, and we'll be able to get out of this."

Evers said he will soon decide whether to mandate vaccines for state employees, once the administration has numbers on how many of them are already vaccinated on Sept. 9.

"If we already have 90 percent vaccinated, then we could do something differently than if we only had 70 percent."

Milwaukee's new COVID-19 cases are the highest they have been since January, and the city is currently in the "extreme transmission category."

"Unfortunately, the numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

Barrett hopes city vaccine clinics will help slow the spread.

He is concerned the coming fall weather will be problematic by pushing people indoors.

"We all know the COVID-19 virus spreads more easily indoors than outdoors, which means we have to increase our vigilance in mitigation efforts," Barrett said. "Which means washing our hands, increasing our distance, and yes, wearing our masks indoors."