City of Bayfield Issues Mask Ordinance

BAYFIELD, Wis.– The city of Bayfield created its own mask ordinance last night. In part it’s because more tourists are still traveling to the area than expected this summer.

After Bayfield County issued a mask advisory earlier this week, the city of Bayfield is going further by establishing a city mask ordinance.

“We did get a little bit surprised with how many people actually are coming up this summer,” said City Council President and Owner of Bayfield Wine and Spirits Joanne Cirillo.

The city of Bayfield voted unanimously Wednesday night to establish a city mask ordinance.

Starting Saturday, face coverings will be required by everyone indoors and outside when social distancing is not possible.

With 11 confirmed cases in Bayfield County, Cirillo says it’s also the rising number of cases in neighboring counties that pushed the city to action.

With a town full of local business like Cirillo’s, she says most stores and restaurants will be in bad shape if they have to close down because of COVID-19.

“If one or two business owners were to get the virus or need to even be quarantined, they might go out of business,” said Cirillo. “Permanently, not just for this season but permanently.”

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce says businesses are behind this measure. Adding that most establishments in town had mask requirements long before the ordinance.

“This isn’t really something new for us. This is something our visitors are expecting, our community is expecting and wanting,” said Paige Rautio, Marketing Director for the Bayfield Chamber Of Commerce. “The Bayfield chamber’s goal is to promote tourism and support businesses. That’s exactly what face coverings do.”

Bayfield city leaders also hope the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors will issue a mask mandate, as well as other restrictions such as limiting large gatherings and events.