As we have previously reported, the number of new COVID-19 cases since the mask mandate was put into effect have been significantly higher than they were prior to the mandate.
We spoke with Manitowoc County Emergency Services Director Travis Waack about this trend, and he said that masks are still vital to controlling the virus explaining, “They are one of the key things that people can do to try to keep the numbers lower.”
While he did admit the numbers are quite high, Waack said “We don’t know what the numbers would be without that public health measure.”
He said that he and the Health Department have been receiving questions about how we can curb this outbreak, to which he said, “The answer to that is real simple. People need to wake up and do what we have been saying from the beginning.”
Waack then reiterated the importance of mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing, before also reminding people to stay home when they are sick. “I know this is difficult for some people,” he said, “but if you are feeling sick you need to stay home, because you just don’t know. Call your doctor, see if they want you to get tested.”
Statistics reported by the Health Department shows that there has been a 236% increase in cases since the mandate was put in place compared to the 60 days prior.
