Author: Sam Buisman

Not wearing a mask while indoors in Madison could now cost you $376 if it doesn't cost you your life. 

Hours before Public Health Madison and Dane County's emergency order requiring persons five and older to wear a mask while inside most buildings went into effect on Monday, the department explained its plans for enforcing the order. According to a press release, the department is asking residents to email them noncompliance complaints regarding businesses or individuals for review, after which the department will determine if a fine is necessary.

In the City of Madison, such a citation will cost $376, while those outside the city but still in Dane County will be $263.50. 

In their release, the department implored residents to wear their masks to keep themselves and others healthy.

“It's been said repeatedly that we are all in this together,” wrote the department. “It may now seem clichéd, but it's never been more true.” 

Public Health Madison and Dane County stressed that individuals should not try to intervene themselves if they see someone not wearing a mask, noting that there are still some exceptions to the rule for people with disabilities or who have jobs that would be made dangerous by wearing a mask. 

Additionally, the department requested that complaints be sent to them rather than law enforcement. 

Public Health Madison and Dane County is asking compliance complaints to be sent to [email protected]. 

According to Public Health Madison and Dane County, there have been 3,071 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Dane County and 33 deaths.