Special Public Notice:

Village Board Adopts Face Mask Requirements in Whitefish Bay
At a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2020, the Village Board adopted Ordinance No. 1869 which requires face masks or face coverings to be worn inside buildings open to the public in Whitefish Bay. The ordinance was reinstated on November 16, 2021 and extended until March 31, 2021. Please click here to view the signed ordinance.
Ordinance No. 1869 Requirements:

  • Everyone in Whitefish Bay must wear a face mask or face covering in any building open to the public, unless they fall under one of the exceptions noted below.
  • This ordinance is currently in effect until March 31, 2021
Exceptions to Wearing a Face Mask:

  • Persons under the age of five (5).
  • Persons who fall into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or for whom no other accommodation can be offered under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
  • Persons who have upper respiratory chronic conditions, silent or invisible disabilities, or are communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing where effective communication cannot be achieved through other means.
  • Persons in settings where it is not practicable or feasible to wear face coverings when obtaining or rendering goods or services to the extent necessary to obtain or render such goods or services including but not limited to the receipt of dental services or medical treatments or the act of consuming food or beverages.
  • Whenever federal, state, or local law otherwise prohibits the wearing of face masks or where it is necessary to evaluate or verify an individual's identity.
  • Persons whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
  • Persons present in government facilities closed to the public, institutions of higher education, public and private K-12 schools, and childcare or youth facilities that have a mitigation strategy approved by the North Shore Health Department.
Frequently Asked Questions?

Who is required to wear a face mask or face covering? Any individual five (5) years or older needs to wear a face mask or face covering properly fitted over the nose and mouth whenever in a building open to the public where social distancing is not feasible except for those with certain health issues (see exceptions above).

What is considered to be a face mask or face covering? A face mask or face covering means a face mask or protective mask covering the nose and mouth, including cloth or fiber and surgical masks as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How long Ordinance No. 1869 in effect? This ordinance is currently in effect until March 31, 2021 and may be extended beyond such time by action of the Village Board.

What is a "building open to the public?" Is any area of a structure or premises licensed by the Village or used in whole or in part as a place of resort, assemblage, lodging, trade, traffic, occupancy, or other use by the public.

Are face masks or face coverings required for outdoor areas? There is no face mask or face covering requirement for outdoor areas. However, the Village strongly encourages community members to wear a face mask outdoors, especially if you are approaching individuals within six feet.

Can a business refuse service to a customer who is not wearing a face mask or face covering? The owner or operator of any building open to the public has a right to refuse entry or service to any person for failure to comply with Ordinance No. 1869 (unless the customer is part of the exceptions to the ordinance - see above).

What is the penalty for non-compliance? Individuals who refuse to comply with Ordinance No. 1869 and any owner or operator of a building open to the public that permits a person to violate Ordinance No. 1869, may be subject to the issuance of a citation.

Can I report a violation of this ordinance? You may report a violation of this ordinance to the Village Manager's Office by calling 414-962-6690 or emailing mask@wfbvillage.org.
Why Should I Wear a Face Mask?

From the North Shore Health Department: COVID-19 is primarily spread via respiratory droplets when people are in close proximity with each other and people that are infected speak, sneeze, or cough. People can be infected and have no symptoms (asymptomatic), and they are still able to transmit the virus. It is strongly recommended that the general public wear a cloth face mask in public settings.

Wearing a cloth face mask is one of the most effective ways to reduce person to person transmission of COVID-19 because it serves as a barrier to prevent droplets from entering the air (known as source control). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that demonstrates cloth face masks reduce the spray of respiratory droplets. Cloth face masks are most effective at reducing the transmission of COVID-19 when they are widely used by the public and used in combination with other preventive measures, including physical distancing and proper hygiene practices. You should wear a face mask in all public settings, especially in indoor spaces where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
How do I Properly
Wear a Face Mask?

  • Wash your hands before putting on your face covering.
  • Put it over your nose and mouth, and secure it under your chin.
  • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
  • Make sure you can breathe easily.
  • Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead.
  • Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands.
How Can I Make a Simple Face Mask?
 
Click here for more information from the CDC about how to make a face mask (sew and no sew info) or check out the video below where Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, shares ways to create your own simple face mask in a few easy steps.
Village of Whitefish Bay | Phone: 414-962-6690 | Fax: 414-962-5651