Wisconsin Mask Mandate Petition Getting 'Tremendous Support'

MILWAUKEE, WI — State Sen. Chris Larson said he's getting "tremendous support" after circulating an online petition calling for a statewide mask mandate in Wisconsin.

Larson's office says they've received more than 8,000 signatures in the first day, representing people across Wisconsin.

"What some might think is the absolute least we can do is also the simplest, most effective way for us to control the spread of COVID-19 and give us a fighting chance to open schools safely this academic year," he said in a statement Tuesday morning. “As an American, I value our freedoms tremendously. With our freedom also comes responsibility. We are free to make our own health decisions, but we are not free to make health decisions that will negatively impact others."

>> Petition: Wisconsin Needs a Mask Mandate

>> Story: Evers 'Considering' State Mask Order, But Wary That Supreme Court Would Undermine It

>> Story: Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down 'Safer At Home' Order

Larson said he estimates that a safe, effective vaccine will not be available until some point in 2021, and that a mask mandate is one of the best ways to help protect people against the virus in the meantime.

As of Monday, Wisconsin had 49,417 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 9,873 active cases, 4,420 total hospitalizations, and 893 total deaths.

While some corners of Wisconsin are advocating for a statewide mask order, Gov. Evers said he might be hamstrung at the state level after his statewide Safer At Home order did not survive a legal challenge brought before the Wisconsin Supreme Court by Republican lawmakers. In a lawsuit brought before the court, plaintiffs argued that Evers' order was an unconstitutional overreach of power.

Evers countered by saying the court's ruling undercut his administration's ability to act during a public health emergency.