At a press conference at Alliant Energy Center, Public Health Madison and Dane County, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and Dane County Supervisor Joe Parisi announced that the county’s mask mandate will end on June 2. Health officials said the date will allow county residents to continue to get vaccinated. Rhodes-Conway stated businesses that opt to continue to require masks will be supported.
Several major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Publix, and Starbucks are lifting mask requirements for those who are fully inoculated after new federal guidance, according to a report from the New York Times. Locally, Dane County businesses were still required to mandate masks but were waiting for today’s guidance update from Public Health Madison and Dane County. Many national retailers said they are not requiring proof of vaccination and would rely on an “honor system.” However, Target and CVS plan to continue mandating face coverings for shoppers for now.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert for the Biden administration, acknowledges the guidance might be confusing, according to a report from the Wisconsin State Journal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week said fully vaccinated people don’t need to wear masks in most instances, even indoors. Fauci says it is “reasonable and understandable” that some businesses and localities are maintaining mask requirements because they can’t be sure of an individual’s vaccination history.
