Whitefish Bay Passes Mandatory Mask Mandate

WHITEFISH BAY, WI—The Whitefish Bay Village Board has passed an ordinance requiring anyone 5 years old and above to wear a mask indoors in public buildings. The temporary ordinance takes effect Friday.

Anyone caught violating the face mask mandate could could face a citation between $50 and $500.

Under the ordinance, the owner of any building open to the public has a right to refuse entry or service to any person who fails to comply with the mask requirement.

"The Village Manager and Village Attorney are authorized to pursue license revocation or a court order closing the building open to the public in accordance with state and local law for failing to

require persons present to abide by the mask requirement," the ordinance, in part, reads.

According to the ordinance, exceptions for face coverings shall be made under the following circumstances:

• Persons who fall into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical condition, mental health condition,developmental disability, or for whom no other accommodation can be offered under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Persons who have upper respiratory chronic conditions, silent or invisible disabilities, or are communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing where effective communication cannot be achieved through other means.
• Persons in settings where it is not practicable or feasible to wear face coverings when obtaining or rendering goods or services to the extent necessary to obtain or render such goods or services including but not limited to the receipt of dental services or medical treatments or the act of consuming food or beverages.
• Whenever federal, state or local law otherwise prohibits the wearing of face masks or where it is necessary to evaluate or verify an individual's identity.
• Persons whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
• Persons present in government facilities closed to the public, and in institutions of higher education, public and private K-12 schools, and childcare or youth facilities that have a mitigation strategy approved by the North Shore Health Department.

The mask ordinance will remain in effect for the duration of the village’s COVID-19 health emergency and may be extended.