Governor orders schools to remain closed
Gov. Tony Evers extended the Safer at Home order to May 26.
The order was originally set to expire April 24.
The order implements some new measures, but also allows certain activities to start up again.
“A few weeks ago, we had a pretty grim outlook for what COVID-19 could mean for our state, but because of the efforts of all of you, Safer at Home is working. That said, we aren’t out of the woods just yet,” Evers said. “As I’ve said all along, we are going to rely on the science and public health experts to guide us through this challenge.”
Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said more testing and more public health measures must be in place to help reduce the risk of a second wave of the virus.
“If we open up too soon, we risk overwhelming our hospitals and requiring more drastic physical distancing measures again,” Palm said.
Public and private K-12 schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
Local health officials may close public parks and open spaces if it becomes too difficult to ensure social distancing or the areas are being mistreated.
People are strongly encouraged to stay close to home, not travel to second homes or cabins and not to travel out of state if it is not necessary.
Changes to restrictions
The extension of the Safer at Home order includes some changes that allow more businesses and activities to re-open.
Public libraries may now provide curb-side pick-up of books and other library materials.
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 will now be able to do more things, including deliveries, mailings, and curbside pickup.
Arts and craft stores may offer expanded curbside pickup of materials necessary to make face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
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.
Retail stores that remain open to the public as Essential Businesses 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.