APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Governor Tony Evers spoke about his feelings around the Supreme Court decision to strike down the statewide mask mandate during a stop in Appleton on Wednesday.
“The ruling of the Supreme Court was, obviously, a real big disappointment,” Evers said. “We’re encouraging people across the state to continue doing what they’ve been doing, and that’s wearing a mask and staying socially distant…We are gaining on this pandemic and this virus, and we need to finish it.”
Evers calls the decision a step backward but says he has no plans to attempt to issue any further requirements.
“At the state level, it is gone. I respect the decision of the Supreme Court, even though I think it was erroneous on the legal issue and frankly, on a moral issue,” Evers told reporters. “The Supreme Court has spoken. Incorrectly, I believe, but no. Our goal is to make sure that the people of Wisconsin understand how important wearing a mask is.”
Evers went on to say that Wisconsinites are resilient, and he believes everyone who has been wearing a mask will continue to do so to mitigate the pandemic moving forward.
As for the rising vaccinations in the state, Evers is excited.
“We’re doing a great job, I’m so proud of the work we’ve been able to do getting shots into people’s arms. But at the same time, we have to use other mitigation strategies – and wearing a mask is one of those,” Evers said.
Everyone 16 and older in Wisconsin will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.
