Gov. Tony Evers has ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday, March 24, and is urging people to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to a report from AP News.
The “safer at home” order from Evers comes after he already ordered K–12 schools and a host of other businesses closed, including bars, restaurants, and hair salons, and limited gatherings to no more than 10 people.
These tighter restrictions mirror what is being implemented across the U.S. and world, including neighboring Illinois. The goal is to keep people from leaving their homes or interacting with others in person unless absolutely necessary.
Exemptions will be granted to those who provide essential care and services, such as doctors, nurses, and others in the health care industry, grocers, and family caregivers. It was still somewhat unclear if this is the full list of essential servics, and even after the governor held an afternoon press conference, some called for more clarity. More detailed information is expected on Tuesday.
Update
As of 1:30 p.m. today, according to Gov. Evers, Wisconsin has recorded four deaths from the coronavirus, while 7,050 state residents have tested negative and 416 have tested positive.
