Milwaukee, WI – Yesterday, the office of Senator Chris Larson began circulating a petition for a statewide mask mandate to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. In less than 24 hours, over 8,000 people have signed from hundreds of municipalities across the state. Senator Larson released the following statement:
“The tremendous support we have received for a statewide mask mandate has been overwhelming. 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.
“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. Given the tremendously contagious nature of this virus, and the science-based knowledge that wearing a mask helps prevent its spread, we can ensure the public is safer and that they aren’t stuck having others make their health choices for them.
“Until a safe, effective vaccine is available, which likely won’t be until sometime next year, masks are our best bet. Your mask protects you, my mask protects me. With over 30 states having already issued mask orders, red and blue alike, this is not a partisan issue. It’s time for Wisconsin leaders to follow the science, too.”
As of Monday, July 27th, Wisconsin had 49,417 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 9,873 active cases, 4,420 total hospitalizations, and 893 total deaths.
