Following numerous states, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has issued a statewide ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Bars and restaurants will be limited to carry out and delivery only.
“A few moments ago, I announced that at 5pm this evening bars will be closed and restaurants will be take-out or delivery only statewide. We will be limiting gatherings to 10 or less people moving forward. Our top priority at this time is to keep Wisconsinites safe and healthy by reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially for those who are considered high-risk.’
‘I know what this means for our business community and the struggle they and their workers will face in the coming weeks. We are committed to being a partner to you to ensure we are doing everything we can to assist during these uncertain times.’
‘With limited tests available nationwide and Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Dane counties showing community spread, we have to take every precaution to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.”
The full statement can be read below:
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue an agency order prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 people or more to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order makes exceptions for transportation, educational institutions, child care, hotels, military, law enforcement, food pantries, hospitals, long-term care facilities, restaurants and bars can only offer take-out or delivery, grocery stores and convenience stores, utility facilities, job centers, and courts. See full order and list of exemptions here. Additionally, schools will be closed for the duration of the public health emergency.
“Our top priority at this time is to keep Wisconsinites safe and healthy by reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially for those who are considered high-risk. With limited tests available nationwide and continued community spread, we have to take every precaution to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors,” said Gov. Evers. “I know what this means for our small business owners and the struggles they and their workers will face in the coming weeks, but we are committed to working with our federal partners, state officials, and stakeholders to ensure we are doing everything we can to assist during these uncertain times.”
Community Spread
We are seeing community spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. This means that there are people who have tested positive who have no exposures to a known case nor did they travel to a location where there is known community spread. Today, we have cases in Milwaukee, Dane and Kenosha counties indicating that there is community spread happening in Wisconsin. Social distancing will help keep you, your family, and our community from increased risk of exposure.
DHS and Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene to move to tiered COVID-19 testing to manage capacity
Despite The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) significantly increasing their capacity for COVID-19 testing, the number of testing specimens being received far exceeds their daily capacity. In order to conserve supplies for testing, WSLH and DHS are now prioritizing two tiers of cases for testing:
Tier One (Individuals who):
are critically ill and receiving ICU level care with unexplained viral pneumonia or respiratory failure
are hospitalized (non-ICU) with fever or signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract illness (cough, shortness of breath) and either known exposure to a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient or travel to an area with sustained community transmission
Tier Two (Individuals who):
are hospitalized (non-ICU) with unexplained fever and signs/symptoms of lower respiratory tract illness
are health care workers with unexplained fever and signs/symptoms of a lower-respiratory illness, regardless of hospitalization
Test requests that do not meet these criteria will be sent to other labs in the state and country for testing, resulting in longer wait times.
Information for healthcare providers on the testing tiers is available at dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm. Patients without symptoms and patients with mild upper respiratory symptoms who are not health care workers should not be tested in order to ensure that there is capacity to test ill people.
People should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:
Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
Covering coughs and sneezes;
Avoiding touching your face;
Staying home when sick.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.
We have compiled a list of resources for closures and postponements, along with community offerings and ways that you can help your community. CLICK HERE for more information.
