Milwaukee County announces face mask requirement in county facilities

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County issued a universal face mask policy Tuesday, June 9, based on the recommendation of the CDC.

Face masks are now required to be worn at all times by "employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, service users and the general public" entering county facilities and grounds.

Face masks are not required -- but highly recommended -- at the airport, on buses and at outdoor park spaces including beer gardens. 

The county is working to make disposable masks available to the public as soon as possible both on buses and at areas where masks are required.

“As we continue to deliver critical County services during this unprecedented time, we must do everything in our power to protect the health and safety of both our employees and the public,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “In addition to wearing a face mask, we are continuing to encourage staff and patrons to practice physical distancing and handwashing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These practices become especially important as we begin to re-open County facilities and grounds.”

The county says acceptable face masks include cloth masks (handmade and sewn), scarves, bandannas, or disposable masks such as non-medical grade paper or procedure masks. 

Children ages 3-12 should only wear a mask if a parent or guardian is monitoring them. All children 12 years and under must remain within six feet of their parent or guardian and those who are small enough should be in a stroller or cart. Children ages 2 and younger are exempt from wearing a mask.

Milwaukee County will provide employees who work on-site with washable cloth masks.

For more information about the universal face mask policy, please click here.