Two Dane County district supervisors held a public hearing tonight in Mazomanie to discuss the current Dane County mask mandate.
However, the county executive says decisions will continue to be guided by data and science.
Over 100 people gathered for public comment, focused on the current Dane County mask mandate.
Supervisor, Jeff Weigand, says he’s heard from a number of people in the county, who feel their voices haven’t been heard.
“The citizens of Dane County deserve a forum and an opportunity to share their thoughts on this public police issue,” explained Weigand. “These mandates have been going on for a while and we really need to here from the citizens and the taxpayers of this county on this very important issue.”
Dane County does have one of the highest vaccination rates in the state, along with being the only county to have a mask mandate in Wisconsin.
However, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi believes the mandate is necessary.
“Masking is an important part of controlling the spread. Even though our numbers are high, still relative to other areas, because we are taking precautions with masking we have some of the lowest per capita rates in the nation,” shared Parisi.
Parisi does understand the frustration by some who have made their voices heard against the mandate.
However, Parisi says their hospitals are full, their heath workers are dealing with a crisis and they need the public’s help in continuing to trust the science.
“My job as the county executive is to protect the members of this community and to base my decisions on science and what is best to keep people healthy. Right now, that science tells us to get vaccinated and for the time being while the spread is still high to continue wearing masks,” said Parisi.
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