Governor limits indoor capacity of public places

Early this afternoon Governor Evers directed Department of Health Services Secretary Designee Andrea Palm to issue an emergency order limiting the capacity of indoor venues to 25% of their rated capacity. Emergency order 3 limits the capacity of most sites that are open to the public such as stores, restaurants, and ticketed events. A full list of places that are covered and exempted is available in the full Emergency Order 3, which is attached below. The order goes into effect at 8 AM on October 8, and continues until November 6, 2020. This is intended to cover two incubation periods of COVID-19.

Exemptions to the order include private gatherings, schools, colleges, medical facilities, child care, public infrastructure, places of worship, rallies, demonstrations, and more.

“We’re in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives,” said Gov. Evers. “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.”

A Frequently Asked Questions document is also available below.

Governor Evers is holding a media availability on the COVID-19 status which is ongoing at the moment.

Earlier today, the governor also announced an additional $100 million in support for Wisconsin's small businesses, including lodging, event venues, and others in the tourism industry, who are struggling in the wake of the pandemic without additional federal supports.

“The unfortunate reality is this: the disease activity level of COVID-19 in Wisconsin is so high that going to a gathering puts you at very high risk of exposure,” said DHS Secretary-designee Palm. “We know gatherings are a key way this virus spreads, so we must act to limit indoor gatherings to stop the spread, reduce illness, and save lives.”