Milwaukee Public Market implements universal face mask requirement

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Public Market has announced a universal face mask policy for staff and customers, after three employees of the St. Paul Fish Company tested positive for COVID-19. 

Milwaukee Public Market Executive Director Paul Schwartz says even though customers were encouraged to wear masks prior to the requirement, many were opting not to wear a face covering.

"We wanted to take the opportunity to expedite the policy switch and make masks mandatory for everyone who enters the market," Schwartz said. "The universal mask policy was made to increase the safety measures for market staff and customers."

Schwartz says throughout the day, staff distributes free masks to customers who don't have a face covering and would like to shop inside the market.

St. Paul Fish Co. owner Tim Collins says the employees who tested positive had attended a social gathering outside of work and were not allowed back until testing negative.

Collins says employees are incentivized to be tested routinely for the virus. Everyone tested will receive a $1 per hour increase in pay for that week. Employees will also be paid for an additional half hour of work for each week they are tested.