Governor’s office, DHS orders result in barber, salon closures; reduced restaurant, bar services
By Wausau Times Staff
MADISON– In response to ongoing developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, last week the office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Health services issued a series of orders and memos; ordering the closure of salons, spas and barbershops across the state, as well as reducing restaurant services to delivery or take-out and bars to serve alcohol on a take-out basis only.
In addition, day care centers were issued staffing restrictions as well as restrictioons on student/child numbers per center. Below is a summary of each directive handed down from Madison, as well as the details of each directive:
Friday, March 20- Mass Gathering Update; barbers, spas closed.
Governor Tony Evers directed the Department of Health Services (DHS) to issue updates to the previous order prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people.
The updated order maintains the ban on gatherings of 10 or more people and indefinite school closures, but includes some important changes and clarifications:
Bars will be able to have carryout sales of alcohol and food, if allowed by local ordinances and state law. This will help ensure thousands of establishments can stay in business during this unprecedented health emergency.
Media and news organizations can remain open to provide the public with vital information. Laundromats may remain open. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions may remain open if they practice social distancing. All parts of the food delivery system – from farms to stores – may remain open. Cafeterias in healthcare facilities may remain open to serve our healthcare workers.
Allied health professions, such as acupuncturists, are unaffected by the mass gathering ban. All parts of our transportation system can continue. Any facility used for in-person absentee voting or as a polling location may remain open for voting, except for sites at long-term care and assisted care facilities.
Hair salons, day spas, nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, body art establishments, and tanning facilities must close on March 20 at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18- Restrictions placed on child care, 4K settings.
Governor Evers directs DHS to restrict the size of all child care settings. Centers may not operate with more than 10 staff present at a time and may not operate with more than 50 children present at a time.
The restriction in size goes into effect March 19 at 8 a.m. to give child care providers and families time to make plans for care moving forward. The closure will remain in effect for the duration of the public health emergency.
“Child care is an essential service for many of the folks working on the front lines to provide healthcare and vital services to our communities during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Evers. “This is another step forward to ensure that service continues, while protecting our child care providers who are going above and beyond their regular duties to support our families, communities, and state.”
Providers are being asked to prioritize families of healthcare and essential service providers, using good faith to determine who those families are. Those using care who can keep their children at home are being asked to do so.
“I know many Wisconsinites are looking for ways to help during this crisis,” Gov. Evers continued. “If you are able, keeping your kids at home is one of the actions you can take to have the most impact. I also want to recognize the child care providers around the state who are stepping up to support our communities– we appreciate your service during this challenging time.”
Additionally, the Administration is working with healthcare providers, child care providers, and the National Guard to explore options to serve healthcare workers through on-site care. It is important that these facilities are able to provide the same level of care and health precautions for staff and children. More information on this effort will be available in the coming days.
Tuesday, March 17-DHS reports spike in COVID-19 positives, governor orders all bars and restaurants to close.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, March, 17, the DHS confirmed the the number of active confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin has increased to 72. Governor Evers ordered a ban on all gatherings of 10 people or more in the state effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
During a live briefing by DHS, of which Evers was also present; Evers said there is evidence of community spread in Milwaukee, Dane and Kenosha Counties. That means health officials can’t trace the origin of the exposure. I
In addition, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday (3/17):
- All bars & restaurants will be closed (except for take out/delivery).
- Schools will remain closed until further notice.
- Efforts are underway to repeal the UI waiting period for employees who will be out of work during this virus.
- Efforts are underway to waive the work search requirements & availability requirement for unemployment payments.