WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) – Marathon County has created an online reporting tool where residents can report violations of Governor Ever’s mandatory face-covering order. It was expected to go live on Friday. It has been delayed until early next week.
The Marathon County Health Department will investigate, focusing on business with multiple complaints.
The health department’s public information officer Judy Burrows told the Wausau Pilot and Review, “Our primary intention is to educate on the need and benefit to wearing a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID.”
Marathon County Sheriff Scott Parks said said he was waiting for guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice about whether enforcing the mask order would fall to law enforcement or the health department. Attorney General Josh Kaul has supported the masking order, saying “This new policy is a significant, positive step in the fight against the coronavirus.” He has since issued guidance saying the violations can be referred by health departments to local district attorneys offices.
Individuals who violate the mask order could be subject to a civil forfeiture of up to $200. Violators are not subject to criminal penalties. However, health departments do have the power to fine or suspend the licenses of businesses that don’t comply.
Clark County launched a similar noncompliance online reporting tool earlier this week.
