MPD took 21 calls during 1st week of city mask mandate
MILWAUKEE - Twenty-one calls were made to Milwaukee police during the first week of the city's mask mandate, which started July 16.
FOX6 News placed an open record request in July, seeking 911 calls regarding the mandate from Milwaukee police which have now been released.
"I'm just a concerned citizen wondering if we're able to report large groups of people that are not wearing masks?" said one 911 caller.
On Aug. 1, Gov. Tony Evers' administration required masks statewide when inside with people who you don't live with. That mandate has since been extended until Nov. 21.
"They are not allowed to eat in here or order without a mask. And she's just sitting in the lobby being disrespectful," said a caller.
Milwaukee Police Department Communications Operation Center
"Talking and breathing over the ice cream in her hands and I said, 'You don't have a mask on, why are you breathing and talking on the cones?' They laughed it off, three or four of them," another caller said.
Milwaukee's police dispatchers have repeated the message: The police are not enforcing mask mandates, those who are concerned will have to contact the health department.
The Milwaukee Health Department enforces the city's mask mandate with fines of $50 to $500 targeting businesses.
"What do you do when you have a business that won't let you come in because you don't have a mask, but you are exempt?" a caller asked.
The city and state mask mandates have a list of exemptions, including one for people with physical or mental health issues.
Someone is answering the calls concerning mask compliance, or the lack thereof. The Milwaukee Health Department has warned nearly 60 businesses and issued three $500 citations to just one location.
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A conservative law firm has sued to stop the statewide emergency, which is the basis for the state's mask mandate. A Wisconsin judge has promised a quick decision.
The latest Marquette University Law School poll found that 72% of Wisconsinites surveyed said masks should be mandated.
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