MADISON, WI (WSAU-WTAQ) — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and DHS Secretary Designee Andrea Palm have issued a new order limiting indoor gathers to 25% of a building’s capacity.
Emergency Order #3 was signed on Tuesday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement from Governor Evers said: “We’re in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives.”
“We are continuing to experience a surge in cases and many of our hospitals are overwhelmed, and I believe limiting indoor public gatherings will help slow the spread of this virus. Folks, we need your help and we need all Wisconsinites to work together during this difficult time. The sooner we get control of this virus, the sooner our economy, communities, and state can bounce back,” Evers said. The governor added, “we are being overwhelmed.”
The order runs through November 6, which the Governor says is two cycles of the COVID-19 virus.
The order affects indoor public places, including stores, restaurants, and ticketed events. It does not apply to private residences, nor outdoor events.
A statement from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce President Kurt Bauer says: “Wisconsin businesses have taken countless steps to protect their employees, customers and the public from day one of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical professionals have said the recent spikes are because individuals are not following the same strict safety guidelines that businesses have implemented. Unfortunately, Gov. Evers’ order will cause even more harm to already-suffering businesses while failing to actually slow the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.”