Health officials extend mask mandate

Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued another face-covering emergency order that will take effect on Feb. 1, 2022, as the current order expires, according to a release from the city. The new omicron variant has driven up the seven-day average of people testing positive to 1,258 per day. There are currently 181 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 36 in the ICU with COVID. The order mirrors the previous order and requires face coverings among people ages two and older when in most enclosed spaces open to the public where other people are present, with certain exceptions. The new order will expire after 28 days.