Gov. Evers Issues Directive to Limit Groups to 10, change testing priorities

Governor Evers has directed DHS to issue an order to limit all gatherings to a size of 10 or less. There are several exceptions to this rule. Bars and restaurants may only serve food by take-out or delivery. The number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin has risen to 72. Evers is also calling on the legislature to provide relief to businesses and individuals having economic problems due to the state-wide shutdown, including the removal of the one-week waiting period for unemployment and a loan program. Schools will now be closed for an indefinite period under the new order. The new directives take place at 5 PM today. 

The order will also change the priority of COVID-19 testing, as the state labs are currently swamped with tests and cannot keep up with the demand. There will be two tiers for testing, depending on the symptoms and situation of the suspected infected person. All people who do not meet those criteria will have their tests sent out of state, which will result in longer testing times. 

Details are in the press release.