Face masks mandatory on all UW campuses this fall

Face masks mandatory on all UW campuses this fall Photo: WDIO-TV file

Updated: July 09, 2020 05:54 PM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Face masks will be mandatory inside all University of Wisconsin campus buildings statewide under a policy adopted unanimously by the Board of Regents.

Interim UW President Tommy Thompson said at Thursday's meeting there was no way to open safely amid the coronavirus pandemic without the mandate. Thompson strongly advocated for the mandatory mask policy at his first regents meeting since taking the job last week.

The policy also encourages the wearing of masks outside while on campus when physical distancing is not possible.

Thompson said he has requested $110 million in funding from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to purchase masks and other equipment for campuses to safely reopen this fall amid the coronavirus.

Requiring masks on all 26 UW campuses comes after Dane County this week mandated the wearing of masks at all indoor buildings, starting Monday.