Businesses adapt as Dane County mask order takes effect | Govt-and-politics

“I didn’t know what to expect, but we’ve had no issues,” he said. 

Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, said the vast majority of the more than 1,200 members of his organization support the mask requirement, though some are struggling with how to implement it or questioning the rationale after they’ve already invested resources to create physical separation.

“I’m not hearing a lot of businesses who are questioning the science,” he said. “It’s mostly how do we do it and do it well?”

Brandon praised public health officials for listening and said he hopes they will continue modifying the order to accommodate any unforeseen problems.

“I think businesses want to do what’s right, particularly when it comes to protecting the health of employees and customers,” Brandon said. “We’re learning something new about it every day.”

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest industry lobby, has encouraged businesses to follow federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines and recommends mask use in enclosed spaces, though the group opposes any statewide rule.

“We highly recommend it as a best practice,” said WMC president Kurt Bauer. “We’re not fond of mandates.”