Milwaukee County Zoo Now Requiring Masks Indoors For Ages 3 And Up

MILWAUKEE, WI —The Milwaukee County Zoo announced Monday that it has updated its mask policy to require the wearing of masks inside of buildings.

According to the policy, all guests ages 3 and up must wear masks inside, though masks are not required outside.

"This is a response to the CDC having moved Milwaukee County into 'High' risk classification," the Zoo said in a statement. "Thanks for doing your part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

On Friday, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) issued a mask advisory after moving into the 'high' risk classification according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 community spread categories.

According to the health department, three indicators were used to determine the level:

• The number of new cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days
• New COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people in the last seven days
• The percent of inpatient beds occupied by coronavirus patients.

The MHD said everyone, regardless of vaccination status and past infection, should wear a mask at all times when indoors and in public.

The health department said the advisory applies to everyone in Milwaukee over the age of 2 who can wear a mask safely.

"Masking is a critical public health tool and a key layer of protection against transmitting and contracting COVID-19," the health department said in a statement. "While different types of masks provide different levels of protection, it is important to remember any mask, worn consistently and snugly, is better than no mask."

Fox 6 reported that the health department's advisory is a request, not an order.