Gov. Evers Bans Gatherings of 50 or More Starting Monday Night

Active COVID-19 Cases Now at 46 in Wisconsin

(OnFocus) Gov. Evers directed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Monday to ban mass gatherings of 50 people or more starting midnight (March 17 at 12:01 a.m.) to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

View the order here.

Excluded from this order are grocery stores, food pantries, childcare centers, pharmacies, airports, and hospitals.

“While it was a difficult decision knowing the impacts on communities, families, workers, and businesses across our state, I believe limiting gatherings to less than 50 people is another critical step we can take in slowing and reducing the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Evers. “Keeping folks safe and healthy has to be our top priority during this crisis.”

This order includes any gatherings at locations such as public or private schools, theaters, museums, stadiums, conference rooms, meeting halls, taverns, health and fitness centers, and places of worship.

Restaurants and bars are required to operate at less than 50 percent capacity or have fewer than 50 people, whichever is less.

There are 46 active cases and 504 negative tests of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, according to the DHS in an afternoon press conference. These are in the counties of Dane, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Pierce, Racine, Sheboygan, Waukesha, Winnebago, and Wood. The majority of patients are recovering at home.

“I know this is difficult, but this is how we’re going to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Andrea Palm, Wisconsin DHS Secretary-designee.

Update: In a release, the Clark County Health Department said violation of this order is punishable by imprisonment or fine according to Wisconsin State Statute 252.25. By this statute, the penalty for violation is up to 30 days imprisonment or a fine not more than $500.

The department recommends cancelling all group activities at this time.

Editor’s Note: If your church will be implementing live-streaming of services or other methods in response, please contact [email protected] with info.