July 20, 2020 4:35p; Updated at 6:25p with Racine mask proposal
Update: The Racine City Council passed the mask ordinance as proposed Tuesday night by a vote of 8-7.
(WGTD)---The Racine City Council is expected to vote Tuesday night on a proposal by the mayor to require the wearing of face coverings in any indoor space that's open to the public. Masks would also be required while in any outdoor public space, if the wearer can't maintain a 6-ft. distance from individuals who are not members of the person's family or household.
The four-page-long measure includes a number of exceptions. For example, children four or younger won't be required to wear a mask. Neither will diners or drinkers in restaurants and bars, as long as they're six feet away from individuals who are not members of their household.
If passed, the ordinance could take effect next Monday. A first-time offense could result in a $25 fine.
In other COVID-related news, a Kenosha tavern says one of two customers who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.
In a post on Facebook, Ron's Place on 52nd St. identified the deceased customer as Greg Dustan.
A GoFundMe account was established by the family to cover burial expenses. The page confirms that the 67-year-old man died from COVID, although relatives said underlying health issues were present.
The tavern said it would remain closed for two weeks, and reopen with a new plan for dealing with the pandemic. It said its entire staff would be tested in the interim.
Meanwhile, the Kenosha County Division of Health is reminding those who have been tested to self-quarantine until they receive their results, which now can take as long as 7 days. "If you got tested because you have any suspicious that you have the virus--or if you were in close contact with someone who tested positive--it's essential to remain quarantined until you received your result, which unfortunately is taking a little longer than it was even a few weeks ago, " said Kenosha County Health Officer Jen Freiheit.
Nearly 2,000 people were tested during a three-day period last week at UW-Parkside,
Over the weekend, about 100 new Kenosha County cases were reported, a third of which were attributable to tests that were administered at Parkside, according to Freiheit.
Recent positive cases ranged in age from 1 to 82, with a large majority in their 20s, Freiheit said.
Statewide Monday, 703 new cases were reported, including 41 in Kenosha County, 35 in Racine County and 40 in Walworth County.
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