Glendale Becomes Latest In Wisconsin To Require Masks

GLENDALE, WI — Glendale is the second North Shore community to implement a mask requirement amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin. Glendale officials passed a resolution this week requiring masks be worn indoors in buildings that are open to the public.

Shorewood passed an ordinance earlier in July.

According to Glendale officials, the resolution calls for people 4 years old and up to carry masks with them in Glendale, and to wear them in certain indoor locations. Businesses can call police if they need help enforcing the resolution, Glendale officials said.

Officials said they went with a resolution, instead of an ordinance, based on the different ways ordinances and resolutions are enforced.

“An ordinance has to have an enforcement mechanism. Many of our city ordinances are complaint-based. For example, if you refuse to cut your grass, until a neighbor complains, the city does not enforce the ordinance. We do not have the city services staff patrol the city look for uncut lawns that are not in compliance with city property maintenance ordinances. We only respond to complaints,” Mayor Bryan Kennedy said in a statement.

Resolution At A Glance

• Anyone, ages 4 and older, is required to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces.
• People must have a face covering when leaving home or place of residence.
• Glendale requires wearing the face covering in an indoor public space or where social distancing is not feasible.

Exceptions

• People under four years of age.
• People who fall into The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or are otherwise covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• People with an upper respiratory chronic condition or silent disabilities.
• People persons in a setting where it is not practicable or feasible to wear face coverings including when obtaining goods or services such as the receipt of dental services or medical treatment.

Businesses

• A Glendale business implementing a mask requirement can receive police assistance if necessary.
• If a customer refuses to honor a business’ mask policy, the business may call the police. An officer will ticket that person for trespassing and escort them off the property
• Businesses are required to post their policies and procedures on their entrances.