As new local mask mandates are considered and enacted (including in Dane County), UW Health emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

“If everyone who could do so wore a mask, it would make a tremendous impact on COVID-19 transmissions,” said Dr. Nasia Safdar, Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention at UW Health. “Something as simple as a cloth mask can decrease the number of respiratory droplets that are released when people breathe, talk, cough and sneeze.”

Wisconsin has seen a serious increase in cases, including three daily reco...