Axios
Wisconsin governor issues mask mandate after state GOP eliminates previous order
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) issued a new statewide masking mandate on Thursday almost immediately after the state legislature voted to revoke his previous order. Why it matters: Evers’ attempts to combat COVID-19 have faced resistance from Republicans since the pandemic began. Even with a new order, the legislature could vote again to revoke the mask requirement. Be smart: Subscribe for FREE to America’s most influential newsletter. What he is saying: “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I promised I would: I never played politics with your health, trust and follow experts in science and public health, and I never stop doing everything I can to keep you healthy. and safe. I didn’t break those promises and I won’t start today, “said Evers in a video released Thursday afternoon. * He added that his efforts to protect Wisconsin residents were met with “lawsuits, political rhetoric and obstruction”, citing the Legislative vote on Thursday. * “We know that while we work to get armed vaccines as quickly as we have vaccines available, no amount of vaccine in the world could bring back the lives we could lose if we don’t have a statewide mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of COVID -19 in Wisconsin. * “Wearing a mask is the most basic thing we can do to keep ourselves safe. Wearing a mask saves lives. “Context: 5,992 people have died from the virus in Wisconsin so far, by state data. Now, the coronavirus variants represent new risks. The previous mandate has remained in effect since August. * Republicans, who control both states Assembly and Senate argue that Evers overstepped his authority by extending the mask’s mandate without legislative approval. * The governor says the unusual circumstances caused by the pandemic give him the authority to issue such orders. The big picture: health experts urged states to adopt mask mandates already that the U.S. has 26.6 million cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. * “Adopting universal masking policies can help prevent future blockages, especially if combined with other non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social detachment, hygiene ventilation and adequate ventilation, “according to the CDC. * Almost 60 organizations, including groups representing indigenous tribes American natives, hospitals, schools and businesses were opposed to the repeal. * This is not the first time that Republican lawmakers have challenged Evers’ attempts to control the pandemic. Last year, Republican lawmakers persuaded the state Supreme Court to reject his order to stay at home. Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Governor Evers’ new term. Support safe, smart and healthy journalism. Sign up for Axios Newsletters here.