Masks
Face coverings are required in Dane County under certain circumstances.
See our current order for full details.
We are reviewing the latest CDC guidance that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most indoor public spaces. People who are vaccinated can be confident that their choice to roll up their sleeve has not only helped protect them and their loved ones, but has also helped our community reopen safely.
We are currently evaluating our existing public health orders and plan to have an update next week on Tuesday.
When do I need to wear a face covering?
Under local orders that go in effect on April 7, people five years of age and older must wear a face covering:
- Indoors and in any enclosed building where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, are present.
- In line to enter any enclosed building.
- Driving or riding in any vehicle where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit are present.
- Certain exceptions apply when individuals are fully vaccinated.
- Face coverings are strongly recommended in all other settings, including outdoors when it is not possible to maintain six feet physical distancing.
What is considered a face covering?
A face covering is defined as: a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely. Cloth face coverings must be made with two or more layers of breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source). A face covering does not include bandanas, single layer neck gaiters, face shields, goggles, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, shirt or sweater collars pulled up over the mouth and nose, or masks with slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
Are face shields considered a face covering?
No. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is not known if face shields provide any benefit as source control to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings.
A face shield that covers the entire person’s face and is secured at the top and bottom of the face with fabric or other enclosures that ensures there are no gaps or openings on the top or bottom is allowed as a face covering.
How can I make sure my mask is as effective as possible?
CDC has issued new guidance about ways to increase the effectiveness of your mask by ensuring it fits well. Strategies include wearing a mask with a nose wire, using a mask fitter or brace, wearing a cloth mask over a disposable mask, and using the knot and tuck method. Examples and pictures are all available on the CDC website.
When can I remove my face covering?
There are exceptions for when a face covering can be removed. Exceptions include:
- While eating or drinking
- When communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and communication cannot be achieved through other means
- While obtaining a service that requires the temporary removal of the face covering, such as dental services
- While sleeping
- While swimming or on duty as a lifeguard
- When engaging in work where wearing a face covering would create a risk to the individual, as determined by government safety guidelines
- When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity, including when entering a financial institution
- When federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering
When is a face covering not needed?
You do not need to wear one:
- At home, when you do not have guests
- If you are in an office space with a closed door where no one could enter the space
- In your own car if you do not have passengers from another household or living unit
- Fully vaccinated individuals in certain situations (see below).
We strongly recommend wearing a face covering when you are outdoors and unable to stay six feet from people you don’t live with. It’s a good idea to keep a face covering with you at all times so it’s ready to use in case you run into a situation where distancing isn’t possible.
What if I am fully vaccinated?
CDC updated their guidance on when fully vaccinated individuals must wear masks. We have updated the Order to reflect this guidance.
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after their second dose of Pfizer’s or Moderna’s vaccine or two weeks after their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain six feet of physical distancing or wear a face covering when in an enclosed space:
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- Where all individuals are fully vaccinated;
- Where fully vaccinated individuals are with individuals from a single household or living unit who:
- are not fully vaccinated and are not at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease; and
- do not reside with anyone who is not fully vaccinated and at an increased risk increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease.
An enclosed space includes a space that has walls floor to ceiling and a door (must be a full door with no gaps in the walls) that is closed. An enclosed space also includes a car.
Fully vaccinated individuals must continue to follow all other aspects of our Order.
Who is exempted from wearing a face covering?
Some people are also exempted from wearing a face covering. Exemptions include:
- Children under the age of five (5).
- Individuals who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance.
- Individuals with medical conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or other sensory sensitivities that prevent the individual from wearing a face covering. Federal law requires businesses to provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. This may mean providing an alternate form of service (e.g., curbside pickup or delivery instead of in person shopping) to a person with a disability who cannot wear a face covering. For more information on what is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act and our face covering policy, please see the Madison Office of Civil Rights website.
Please see our current Order for more information.
I think a business is operating unlawfully. What can I do?
The intention of this order is not penalize individuals but to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Please email us if you believe a business is operating unlawfully.
Your role as an individual
You should not ask someone why they aren’t wearing a face covering. It is not your job to intervene if someone isn’t wearing a face covering. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a face covering difficult or dangerous. Your job is to wear your face covering and stay six feet away from others. See this section for more information.
Employees concerned about safety at work
For employees returning to a work environment that is not following the orders and are concerned about their safety, please review our fact sheet, workplace requirements for employers and workers.
Business and Workplace Resources
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Signs: Businesses and workplaces are required to post this sign (or a similar sign) about face coverings being required that is visible upon entering the property. All residential properties (such as apartment buildings and condominiums) that have shared common indoor spaces (such as mailrooms, lobbies, hallways) are required to post this sign (or a similar sign) about face coverings being required that is visible upon entering the property.
- Fact sheet: Using Cloth Face Coverings In the Workplace
- FAQ: Masks and the Americans with Disabilities Act
How to Talk to Customers About This Order
Everyone who is able must wear a face covering in your establishment. If someone enters without a face covering, remind them about the policy. If they say they are unable to wear a face covering, you must offer reasonable accommodation, such as offering curbside or delivery service. If the individual chooses to decline the offered accommodations, the business owner is at liberty to decline them entry if they so choose. If your business can't offer alternative services to someone with a medical condition or disability (i.e., you run a gym), they should not be denied entry. They should follow the other provisions of the order, such as physical distancing. If someone simply refuses to wear a face covering, as a business owner you have the right to ask them to leave. For more information on what is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act and our face covering policy, please see the Madison Office of Civil Rights website.
Some strategies to discuss masks with customers could include:
- Offer an alternate service, such as curbside pickup or delivery, that meets the customer’s needs while also ensuring they are not indoors in your business.
- If possible, buy or ask for donations of face coverings that you could offer to customers who do not have them.
- Make it clear on your business’s website that face coverings are required in your business.
- Explain that this policy is county-wide in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.