Wisconsin is losing
What will it take for us to be safe?
Contrary to President Trump’s claims that the coronavirus is under control, we are seeing increasing numbers of both positive tests and hospitalizations, especially in the states that opened up their economies early.
As the cases continue to increase in 29 states, including Wisconsin, some other states chose the wiser course of following the almost universal recommendations from the experts in infectious diseases to require all who venture into public spaces to wear a face covering.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order on June 18, requiring a mask in public indoor spaces, including while shopping, riding public transportation or seeking medical care. The order also requires masks in outdoor public spaces where social distancing is not an option. He recently increased the mask requirement to include everyone in public.
On April 17, Connecticut mandated masks for all people over the age of 2 in a public space where social distancing is not possible, including public transportation, taxies and ride shares. Employees at essential businesses must wear masks while at work. Customers over the age of 2 are also required to mask up.
Delaware’s governor issued an order in April requiring people to wear masks while in public including inside stores and on public transportation.
As of May 16, the District of Columbia ordered the use of masks when conducting essential business or travel when social distancing is not possible. They are required in grocery stores, pharmacies, take out restaurants and on public transportation.
As of April 20, Hawaii has ordered both customers and employees of essential businesses to mask up.
Illinois Governor Pritzker ordered everyone stepping outside of their house to wear a mask on May 1.
As of May 11, Kentucky Governor Beshear ordered all state residents to wear a mask in public and gave businesses the ability to turn away unmasked customers.
Maine’s Governor Mills issued an order as of May 1 requiring masks for anyone over 2 in indoor public spaces like markets, stores, pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
On April 15th, Maryland’s governor ordered masks in both indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. Employees and customers of essential businesses over the age of nine must wear a mask.
On May 6, Massachusetts Governor Baker required masks for everyone in all public indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Michigan requires all residents to wear masks in all public settings. Business are allowed to refuse entry to those refusing to wear a mask.
Nevada required anyone in a public space to wear a mask as of Friday. This includes public transportation, public work environments or shopping.
New Jersey started requiring customers and employees to wear masks at essential businesses as of April 8. Businesses must supply them to employees and deny entry to anyone refusing to wear one.
As of May 16, New Mexico required adults to wear masks in all public settings except while eating, drinking or for medical reasons.
New York’s Governor Cuomo issued an order requiring masks in public for everyone
on April 17.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health issued an order effective April 19 requiring employees and customers at essential businesses to wear masks. Customers who refuse must be denied entry.
Rhode Island issued an order effective May 8 requiring all residents over 2 to wear a mask in public settings, indoors or out.
On Tuesday, Washington’s Governor Inslee issued an order for all residents to wear masks starting Friday while in public spaces.
All of these orders are backed by solid public health science showing that the use of masks helps significantly reduce transmission of the airborne particles responsible for the spread of the deadly virus.
With significant spikes in infections and hospitalizations in Texas, Arizona, California, Florida and several other states, governors in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut just imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement for all those traveling to their states from known virus hotspots. The European Union is seriously considering banning international travel from the United States to their member nations because of our increasing numbers.
Wisconsin continues to see increases in the numbers of people who test positive for the virus and in hospitalizations of seriously ill people who have contracted the virus. Wednesday and Thursday of this week saw the largest increases since the pandemic began.
Governor Evers and his health department tried to contain the virus’ spread through reasonable regulations and orders, but found his hands tied by the conservative majority of the state Supreme Court who sided with the “local control” leaders of the state Legislature and struck down his orders.
We now are experiencing a public in denial about the serious public health threats this virus is bringing into our communities. Masks are not common for most folks I see in public, except in some businesses. Only a few are requiring customers to mask up before entry.
I fear it will only be a matter of a short time before we become the next Texas, Arizona or Florida whose hospitals are almost over capacity with critically ill virus infected people. Until an effective vaccine is developed and shows results, I’m staying at home as much as I possibly can.
