Tom Nelson
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson

APPLETON — Outagamie County will enact its own local indoor mask order after the state Supreme Court threw out Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mandate earlier today.

The order will go into effect Thursday, according to a news release from Outagamie County Public Health Division.

The county is moving quickly after today’s 4-3 ruling that threw out Evers’ order, ruling the governor exceeded his authority by issuing the order.

The current state mandate was set to expire Monday. The ruling has no effect on local orders requiring masks indoors.

Currently Dane County, Rock County, the city of Milwaukee, Green Bay and DePere and other municipalities have local orders requiring masks indoors.

According to the Outagamie County order, everyone 5 years of age and older will be required to wear a face covering when indoors or in enclosed spaces and around people who are not household members, with some limited exceptions.

Voluntary compliance, education on the importance of wearing masks and widespread vaccination will continue to be the emphasis of the county’s efforts according to Outagamie County Board Chair Jeff Nooyen.

“The sooner we beat this disease the sooner our lives can return to normal. That includes thriving businesses, in-person schooling, and a chance to see our friends and family again. The only way to do that is by everyone masking up and getting vaccinated. These are very easy and effective steps to return to normalcy,” Nooyen said.

Read the full news release about the order HERE or below.

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By Dan Plutchak

Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.