Judge rejects GOP bid for quick end to Wisconsin mask order, but appeal expected

A judge Monday denied a GOP request for a temporary restraining order that would have blocked Gov. Tony Ever's common-sense and badly needed statewide mask order.

St. Croix County Circuit Judge R. Michael Waterman's opinion supported Evers' arguments for the health emergency order that includes the mask requirement.

In a statement after the ruling, Evers said:

“Today’s ruling is a victory in our fight against COVID-19 and our efforts to keep the people of Wisconsin safe and healthy during this unprecedented crisis. As the number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin reached 150,000 yesterday, we will continue doing everything we can to prevent the spread of this virus. We ask Wisconsinites to please stay home as much as possible, limit travel and going to public gatherings, and wear a mask whenever out and about.”

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says that Waterman's decision sets up a fight over Evers' order at the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

And legislative action to overturn Evers' orders is still possible, with Waterman writing that GOP-dominated Legislature "can end the state of emergency at anytime, but so far, it has declined to do so." The paper says that "nearly a dozen GOP lawmakers told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last week they would vote to end the health emergency order, and mask mandate, if the lawsuit didn't go their way."

GOP efforts to end necessary public health measures continue despite Wisconsin's continuing surge of coronavirus. Evers has been forced to open a field hospital at State Fair Park to provide relief for overwhelmed hospitals in the Fox Valley and northern counties.

Meanwhile, the benefits of masks continue to be apparent. A recent report showed that cases in Arizona dropped 75% after the state's mask requirement was put in place. And the lack of mask wearing is widely credited with helping turn the White House into a covid hotspot.

If you haven't yet, please sign a petition in support of Evers' mask order by clicking on this link.

(Cartoon by Bruce Plante for Tulsa World)