Gov. Evers Declares New Public Health Emergency Regarding Face Coverings and Vaccine Distribution

 Posted on January 21, 2021 in Wisconsin Government Regulations Lawyers

As COVID-19 vaccines are being provided to people throughout the state of Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has issued a new emergency order requiring the state's residents to use masks or other face coverings whenever they are indoors or in an enclosed space and around people who are not members of their immediate family. This order comes as part of the state's effort to administer vaccines. Since the supplies of vaccines are limited, health care workers have been given the top priority for vaccinations, and the state has also begun administering vaccines to first responders. People over the age of 65 will be prioritized in the next round of vaccines. By continuing to wear masks and practice social distancing, Wisconsinites can remain safe until everyone has had the chance to be vaccinated. For more information, please visit the state of Wisconsin's COVID-19 web page. Here is Gov. Evers' press release:

Gov. Evers Announces New Public Health Emergency, Issues New Face Coverings Order as State Continues Vaccine Distribution 

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #104 and Emergency Order #1 establishing a new statewide public health emergency and face coverings requirement, respectively, as the state continues to expand vaccination distribution across the state. Executive Order #104 is available here and Emergency Order #1 is available here. 

“We’re working every day to get vaccines distributed and get shots in arms to get our state back to some sort of normal,” said Gov. Evers. “At the end of the day, vaccine supplies are limited, so while we continue to ask the federal government for more vaccines and faster, we have to keep working together to stop the spread today by continuing wear our masks, staying home whenever we can, avoiding gatherings, and doubling down on our efforts to keep our friends, neighbors, and families safe.”

As of today, Wisconsin has administered 248,185 vaccines across the state and began administering vaccines in Phase 1B to first responders and law enforcement earlier this week. The Department of Health Services (DHS) also announced Wisconsinites 65 years or older will be eligible for the vaccine starting Mon., Jan. 25, 2021. There are approximately 700,000 Wisconsin residents 65 years or older that would be eligible for the next round of vaccines, therefore it will take time to get through this group and will be dependent on the number of vaccines provided by the federal government. 

President Biden signed an executive order on January 21, 2021 mandating mask usage in airports and on many planes, trains, ships, and intercity buses. This is part of a new strategy announced after his inauguration to confront the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 405,000 people in the United States. Learn more here.

For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

Contact Our Milwaukee, WI Business, Health, and Employment Attorneys

At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we can help you address legal issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including determining how to respond to restrictions that may affect your business. Please visit our COVID-19 resources page for helpful information about these matters, and if you have any questions, contact our Milwaukee government regulation lawyers by calling our office at 414-271-1440.