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Dear Editor:
On July 30, Governor Tony Evers issued Executive Order #82, mandating the use of face coverings for all individuals who are indoors or in enclosed spaces who are present in the same room or enclosed space with someone who is not a member of that individual's household or living unit. Following the Governor's announcement of Executive Order #82, we have received a number of inquiries regarding the enforcement of that Order.
The Iowa County Law Enforcement community supports individual actions that can be taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Those actions include but are not limited to social distancing, proper washing of hands, use of hand sanitizers and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks. Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of business owners who have taken steps to keep people healthy including but not limited to the use of safety barriers, social distance arrangements, as well as disinfecting procedures. We understand that some individuals may have medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from utilizing a mask.
Consistent with our understanding of the Governor's Executive Order, the goal is compliance and education and is not meant to be punitive. However, the Law Enforcement agencies of Iowa County will continue to respond to reports or complaints from a business owner, manager or other premise owner who has already requested that an individual leave a premise for failing to comply with the mask mandate as it relates to that specific premise. We anticipate that these circumstances will be rare, but enforcement is necessary under these circumstances as they are situations where a disturbance may be likely.
We feel this enforcement response is reasonable and ask that you, as a member of the Iowa County community help us to keep our community a safe place to live and raise a family. Please embrace the idea of wearing a mask as a part of protecting your community.
 In closing, we realize that the word "order" carries a strong message. Although we are taking an approach that encourages compliance rather than demanding it, individuals who blatantly violate the order and who cause a public incident could put themselves in a position of violating the law. Those incidents will be evaluated and Law Enforcement actions will be determined on a case by case basis.
The Law Enforcement Agencies of Iowa County, the Iowa County Health Department and Iowa County Emergency Management all thank you for your support and actions in keeping our community safe.

Iowa County Sheriff
Steve Michek