Mask rule returns for state employees
MADISON - State employees will have to wear face masks starting Thursday because of a surge in coronavirus cases, Wisconsin officials announced Wednesday.
The move came shortly after the two largest University of Wisconsin schools, in Madison and Milwaukee, put in place their own mask requirements. The policies are being enacted as the delta variant of COVID springs up around the world, including among those who have been fully vaccinated.
The latest requirement comes from the state Department of Administration and applies to nearly all state employees and contractors, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated. The requirement does not apply to those who work for the Legislature or the state court system, which set their own policies.
Members of the public who are not vaccinated are required to wear masks when they visit most state buildings under the department’s policies. The department is recommending that vaccinated members of the public do the same but is not requiring them to do so.
The state Capitol is different from most buildings because it is controlled cooperatively by the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
For executive branch employees and unvaccinated visitors, masks will be required in the parts of the Capitol controlled by the Department of Administration. That includes the rotunda, hallways, restrooms, elevators and many other common areas.