Shorewood passes face mask mandate; will require anyone 4+ to wear one inside public places

SHOREWOOD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- People in Shorewood will soon be required to wear masks in certain places. A mask mandate ordinance was approved by the village Wednesday night, July 8. 

The Shorewood Village Board voted unanimously to require people 4 years old and up to wear a mask while indoors at public places. 

Village leaders say they felt it was necessary to give residents and businesses guidance on how to move forward during the pandemic while keeping people safe. 

The meeting lasted five hours as village leaders made changes to the ordinance. They decided, for now, masks will not be required at outdoor public places. 

The ordinance will be enforced through a complaint system and those that don't comply will be sent information on mask-wearing and COVID-19. They believe it's a step in the right direction for everyone. 

"There is scientific evidence that shows that masks help reduce the spread of the virus. We want other communities in the north shore of Milwaukee as well as the city of Milwaukee to move forward with this mask mandate so we can all get through this together," said Shorewood Village Trustee, Jessica Carpenter. 

The mandate will go through Jan. 15, 2021. A final version of the ordinance is being completed Thursday, July 9. Village leaders say we should know when the ordinance goes into effect soon.