Mask mandates would clear up confusion

If you are out in public in Winona, you need to wear a mask. Same with Madison and Milwaukee. All of Minnesota now has a mask mandate. Neither the city or county of La Crosse are making it mandatory to wear masks while in public buildings, but doing so may help alleviate some confusion. Retail establishments have been left to make their own decisions about whether their customers need to mask up before entering their premises. And we’ve all seen the unfortunate reactions of some who have a meltdown when they try to enter without a mask. Some local communities may be avoiding a mask mandate, waiting for on order to come from the county. But so far, unlike other counties, La Crosse has been unwilling to impose any restrictions, such as lower occupancy rates, distancing requirements or mask mandates. That has created a sea of confusion for customers, who have to remember to bring a mask when they go to Menards but not when they go to Home Depot. Businesses are clamoring for some guidance from the government, but in La Crosse, they have not gotten that yet. Such decisions shouldn’t have to be made by individual businesses. The rules should be the same whether you are in Holmen or La Crosse, or what store you shop in. Instead, we have a patchwork of different rules in place, even as coronavirus cases continue to rise, and even though most surveys show overwhelming support for requiring masks in public places.