Forward Janesville - TheReport - Third Quarter 2020

Community-led Reopen Rock Task Force Works to Support Safe Reopening, Recommends Masks for All BY LAURA BARTEN In May 2020, the Rock County Board of Supervisors, the City of Beloit, YWCA Rock County and United Way Blackhawk Region approved a resolution supporting the creation of the Rock County Response, Reopening and Recovery Task Force, later renamed the Reopen Rock Task Force. The objective of this community-led task force comprised of leaders from various market sectors is to foster open communication and bring sector-specific business and community issues to the forefront so these issues can be more quickly and effectively addressed. “The overwhelming support we received from across the County as we sought out community leaders to be a part of this effort has been tremendous. We all understand the significance. We want to do all we can to keep area residents safe and healthy while protecting livelihoods. We believe this effort will be a positive resource that helps provide guidance to our government leaders and positons Rock County to meet future challenges,” said Barry Brandt, Rock Energy Systems, LLC CEO and Reopen Rock Task Force Co-Chair. Sectors represented on the Reopen Rock Task Force include: Chambers of Commerce, Consumer Retail, Diverse Communities, Education/Schools, Entertainment, Faith Communities, Food/Agriculture, Government, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Distribution, Non-Profit and Services. Sector leads meet regularly with key stakeholders to identify sector-specific issues, which are then shared with the larger Reopen Rock Task Force during meetings facilitated by the three co-chairs. By working openly, collaboratively and proactively together, the task force will be able to quickly identify potential issues and speed resolution. “Having direct feedback from this respected group of community leaders on emerging issues will prove invaluable in helping Rock County safely reopen. Their existing relationships and communication networks will ensure that information will flow quickly and accurately to all sectors of our county,” said Rock County Administrator Josh Smith. Support the Mandate: Wear Your Mask In July, Reopen Rock Task Force chairs and sector leaders began meeting regularly. An immediate area of concern was the necessity for expanded mask usage. The Governor's recently enacted mask mandate is helpful, but requires compliance. All Rock County business and individuals are strongly encouraged to mask up. Masks are a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19. A recent study calculated the COVID-19 growth rate before and after mask mandates in 15 states and the District of Columbia between the end of March and late May of 2020. Researchers found that mask mandates led to a marked slowdown in the daily growth rate, estimating that the mandates may have prevented up to 450,000 cases of COVID- 19. Simply put, masks are a simple, thoughtful and effective way to keep you, your loved ones and your neighbors safe. In July, Reopen Rock Task Force chairs and sector leaders began meeting regularly. An immediate area of concern was the necessity for expanded mask usage. 14 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M #RockTheMask MASK UP STAY APART WASH YOUR HANDS ROCK COUNTY CARES WE PLEDGE TO STAY SAFE 6+ FEET www.reopenrock.com