MONROE — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers directed Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue a Safer at Home order March 24 that prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order.
The order went into effect at 8 a.m. March 25 and will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Friday, April 24, or until a superseding order is issued.
The Safer at Home order issued by Governor Evers is a necessary step to slow the spread of COVID-19 which will allow to continue to prepare the healthcare system for this pandemic, said RoAnn Warden, Green County Public Health officer.
Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes, but they must comply with this order as to when it is permissible to leave home. Similarly, if a business is an essential business or operation as defined in this order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue its work that is done in compliance with this order.
Under this order, Wisconsin residents are able to: Perform tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor; get necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, such as getting food and supplies, pet food, and supplies necessary for staying at home; care for a family member in another household; and care for older adults, minors, dependents, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
Businesses allowed to operate under the Safer at Home order include, but are not limited to: Health care operations, including home health workers; critical infrastructure; businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals; fresh and non-perishable food retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food banks; businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, and goods directly to residences; pharmacies, health care supply stores, and health care facilities; child care facilities, with some limitations; gas stations and auto repair facilities; banks; laundry businesses, dry cleaners, and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of a residence, including garbage collection; hardware stores, plumbers, and electricians; educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning; roles required for any business to maintain minimum basic operations, which includes security and payroll; law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action.
The order contains information regarding the exemptions provided to businesses.
The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including: Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, and non-essential workers in your house); frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water; covering coughs and sneezes; regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces; not shaking hands; avoiding touching your face; staying home.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the public is encouraged to frequently monitor the Green County Public Health, the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.
