Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Judge sides with Wisconsin Gov. Tony Ever’s mask mandate: report

A judge upheld Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ Executive Order that makes masks mandatory for residents during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.

Plaintiffs Derek Lindoo, John Kraft, and Brandon Widiker challenged the Democrat governor’s move to declare a state of emergency three times during the pandemic claiming he exceeded the 60-day limit for such declarations, Law and Crime reported.

“The 60-day limit provides an important check against run-away executive power, but it does not prevent the governor from issuing a new executive order when the emergency conditions continue to exist,” Polk County Judge Michael Waterman wrote in his decision from Monday denying the plaintiffs’ bid for a temporary injunction.

“The legislature can end the state of emergency at anytime, but so far, it has declined to do so,” the judge noted of the Republican-controlled body.

Gov. Evers hailed the decision as a “victory,” urging residents “to please stay home as much as possible, limit travel and going to public gatherings, and wear a mask whenever out and about,” the outlet reported.

“We will continue doing everything we can to prevent the spread of this virus,” Evers said noting cases had reached 150,000 Sunday, according to the report.

The men’s attorneys said they plan to appeal.

“It is with regret that the Judge held that the Governor of the State of Wisconsin can rule the state by decree for an unlimited amount of time with the acquiescence of the legislature. We look forward to making an appeal on this critical constitutional matter,” said attorney Rick Esenberg.

Wisconsin state health officials announced that they would be opening a field hospital as the state has become a COVID-19 hotspot which could overrun hospitals.

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