State provides guidelines for reopening business
Metro Wire Staff
State business leaders are offering guidance for businesses that are reopening or preparing to reopen, following Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling that overturned Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order.
The Justices ruled on Wednesday that the Evers’ administration exceeded its authority when Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm issued an extension on the Safer at Home order through May 26. The original order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, was scheduled to run through April 24.
Portage Co. Sheriff Mike Lukas Wednesday night confirmed the Court’s ruling was effective immediately, permitting businesses to reopen. But he, along with police chiefs in Stevens Point and Plover, are urging business owners, employees, and the public, to continue practicing frequent hand washing and social distancing and wearing face masks when they feel it’s appropriate.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has provided a “best practices” and safety guide to help businesses reopen safely. The guide includes input from Health Services, Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and Tourism departments; as well as industry experts and associations.
A series of practices have been published to help guide 15 common industries around the state, but general guidelines include:
- Making sure sick employees don’t come to work
- Eliminating business travel wherever possible
- Working from home when possible
- Ensuring employees have access to sanitizers and personal protective equipment
