By Shereen Siewert
Local restaurants will be allowed to continue pickup and delivery service even after Wisconsin shifts to a “Safe at Home” order that goes into effect on Tuesday.
Gov. Tony Evers announced on Monday that all nonessential businesses will close Tuesday in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that left five people dead and infected more than 400.
“This is a serious disease,” Evers said, during a news briefing Monday afternoon. “We’re trying to control it. Stay at home.”
Evers’ legal counsel, Ryan Nilsestuen, said the state is focused on maintaining supply lines and food for residents.
“A large number of businesses will remain open, just as we’ve seen in neighboring states,” Nilsustuen said. “We expect the bars and restaurant provisions to be similar to that of the current order.”
Evers said a decision hasn’t yet been made on the impact his ruling will have on the construction industry, but more information is expected on Tuesday.
The “Safe at Home” order is similar to “Shelter in Place” orders already implemented in nearby states including Illinois, but Evers said there is a difference.
“Shelter in place could mean I’m walking down the street and I’m taking shelter right here,” Evers said. “Staying home means I’m staying at home.”
Evers said there will be a “buffer” so that employees who go to work on Tuesday aren’t simply sent home in the middle of their shifts.
Churches can continue livestreaming their services as long as they adhere to rules on the number of people in the building.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
