While statewide social distancing restrictions are no longer in place after the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the Evers administration's "Safer at Home" order last week, public health officials are urging people to act individually to help keep the new coronavirus at bay.
They're reminding people to continue washing their hands and to stay at least 6 feet away from others. And there's also a push for people to cover their face in public places like buses and stores.
But there have been mixed messages on whether to wear a mask.
Initially, people were told not to wear them out of concern they would use N95 respirators and surgical masks needed for health care workers. But that is changing — even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) don't agree on how effective homemade masks are in the fight against COVID-19.
According to the CDC, cloth masks can help slow the spread of COVID-19. The recommendation amounted to somewhat of an about-face for the agency, whose prior guidance explicitly did not recommend the public use of masks of any type among healthy individuals in response to COVID-19.
WHO warns "the wide use of masks by healthy people in the community setting is not supported by current evidence and carries uncertainties and critical risks."
Recently 100 prominent experts in medicine and economics wrote an open letter to all United States governors asking that "officials require cloth masks to be worn in all public places."
Gov. Tony Evers has said the state Supreme Court ruling on his administration's authority during the pandemic prevents that, but he encourages everyone to wear a mask.
And some people are wearing masks as they shop for groceries, work out and even sing.
A group of neighbors on Madison’s near west side were inspired by Italians who sang from their balconies while coronavirus raged across their country. Displaying a similar kinship thousands of miles away, the singers in the Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood give each other a wide berth in the street for their nightly singalongs. And for extra measure, everyone wears a face mask.
That includes 72-year-old Wilton Sanders, who said he’s "terrified" of the virus and wipes down surfaces inside his home daily. When he goes out with his wife, Sue, their faces are covered.
"Distancing is really what we do," Wilton said. "The mask is more a statement that, you know, 'I’m looking out for you, so I’d appreciate it if you’d look out for me.' But you know, it’s only a third of the people who have masks on."
While urging people to wear face masks, health officials acknowledge it’s just one of several ways to try to prevent spreading the virus which has killed 481 people in Wisconsin as of Wednesday.
"Masks are not a substitute for social distancing," said Ben Weston, medical director for the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, during a recent online press briefing.
Meanwhile, not everyone can wear a mask and not everyone wants to.
For those who have difficulty breathing, a mask makes it harder. They’re not particularly comfortable. Not to mention, they change a person’s appearance.
But aesthetic concerns aside, they all urged people to don a mask.
In some situations, people have no choice. Menards and Costco now require employees and customers to wear them.
Smaller businesses are doing the same.
"I did have one client who was like, 'Do I really have to wear a face mask?' and I was like, 'Yes, you really need to,'" Murray said. "I’m like, 'I wear one to protect you, you wear one to protect me.'"
She laments the fact that customers can’t see her smile beneath her mask and conversation could be different with clients she considers friends. But there’s acknowledgment that the state’s chummy, Midwestern sensibilities aren't immune to the pandemic.
"I know Wisconsinites. We love to hug. We love to kiss, we love to be friendly," said Evers when he declared a state of emergency in March. "That’s why they call us what they call us, about 'Wisconsin nice.' Wisconsin nice is going to have to have a different look to it in the future."
Whatever hit Wisconsin’s friendly reputation might take, those like Murray have decided it’s worth it. Because lives — and her livelihood — are potentially on the line.