Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" Order Extended
On April 16, 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extended the “Safer at Home” Order through May 26, 2020, at 8:00 a.m.
The “Safer at Home” Order was first issued on March 24, 2020. The Order requires everyone in Wisconsin to stay home or in their place of residence except in limited circumstances until April 24, 2020. To see the initial Order, visit here.
The original Order allows Individuals to leave their homes or residences only for the following functions: a) Essential Activities; b) Essential Governmental Functions; c) Essential Business and Operations; d) Non-essential Minimum Basic Operations; e) Essential Travel, and; f) Special Situations.
What has changed in the latest “Safer at Home” Order?
The new Order contains some new restrictions, but also allows some businesses to reopen.
Public Libraries: Public libraries may now provide curb-side pick-up of books and other library materials.
Golf Courses: Golf courses may open again, with restrictions including scheduling and paying for tee times online or by phone only. Clubhouses and pro shops must remain closed.
Non-essential Businesses: Non-essential businesses will now be able to do more things such as Minimum Basic Operations, including deliveries, mailings, and curb-side pick-up. Non-essential businesses must notify workers of whether they are necessary for the Minimum Basic Operations.
Arts and Crafts Stores: Arts and craft stores may offer expanded curb-side pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Aesthetic or Optional Exterior Work: Aesthetic or optional exterior lawn care or construction is now allowed under the extended order, so long as it can be done by one person.
Child care settings: Child care setting shall prioritize care for families as follows:
Tier 1: Employees, contractors, and other support staff working in health care;
Tier 2: Employees, contractors, and other staff in vital areas including but not limited to military; long term care; residential care; pharmacies; child care; child welfare; government operations; public safety and critical infrastructure such as sanitation, transportation, utilities, and telecommunication; grocery and food services; supply chain operations; and other sectors as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.
Safe Business Practices for Retailers: Retail stores that remain open to the public as Essential Businesses and Operations must limit the number of people in the store at one time, must provide proper spacing for people waiting to enter, and large stores must offer at least two hours per week of dedicated shopping time for vulnerable populations.
Schools: Public Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.
To see the full Order, visit here.
In summary
The extended “Safer at Home” Order allows for increased business operations within guidelines and extends statewide school closings (utilizing online schooling practices) through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The new Order extends the original Order from 8:00 a.m. on April 24, 2020, to 8:00 a.m. on May 26, 2020, in attempt to reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths in Wisconsin.
Published April 17, 2020
