Dane County Executive Parisi’s Statement Regarding Anti-Masking Rally in Downtown Madison

July 23, 2020
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi issued the following statement regarding an anti-masking rally planned for downtown Madison today:

"COVID-19 didn't have to spread this far, this fast. States that ignored science-based guidelines are now seeing extraordinary caseloads, full hospitals, growing death tolls, and degrees of sickness among all ages that was sadly preventable.

"Individual decisions to not follow scientific guidance on the health benefits of masks are compromising the well-being of others. We need to come together as a community and be there for one another, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

"COVID-19 threatens our families, our communities, and our livelihoods. The fastest path to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining economic activity is through an indoor masking requirement.  Masking reduces illness, prevents suffering, and saves lives. In light of this, asking someone to wear a mask for a few months in order to stave off a deadly pandemic doesn’t strike me as an unreasonable request, but rather an opportunity to help reduce suffering in our community. The vast majority of people in Dane County understand this and support the masking policy. Those who don’t agree have a right to express their opinions.”