Governor Issues New Advisory, Cases Rise Sharply in Door County

Gov. Tony Evers issued an emergency order Tuesday advising – but not requiring – residents to stay home, avoid social gatherings of people that are not part of the same household, and encouraging businesses to take additional steps to protect workers, customers, and the surrounding community. Evers also announced he will be introducing new COVID-19 response legislation.

The order comes as cases of Covid-19 grow exponentially throughout the United States and continue to rise sharply in Door County. The state reported 7,000 cases and 66 deaths Tuesday, and in Door County 240 new positive tests were reported in the last week. The county has now reported 10 Covid-19-related deaths. 

As of Tuesday, hospitals in northeastern Wisconsins were at 85 percent capacity, and 200 residents were hospitalized for the virus, including 50 in intensive care units. 

County government announced Tuesday that it was closing to walk-in traffic and would be open by appointment-only beginning Nov. 11 and continuing through the end of the year. The City of Sturgeon Bay closed its doors to walk-in traffic last week. 

City and county staff will be available by phone and email.

Specific impacts include:

•The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is closed, with all in-person group activities and access to the fitness room and public computer workstations cancelled until further notice. ADRC staff are available by phone at 920-746-2372, email [email protected] or video chat. Office appointments are available by appointment only.

•Door County Library branches will offer contactless pickup service only. Library users may go to InfoSoup.org to place holds on items or call their local library branch to have staff pick out materials for them. Branches will set up appointments for library users to pick up the materials. 

•The Justice Center will remain open, with some staff working remotely. The public is strongly encouraged to call ahead to learn if business can be conducted by mail, phone, fax, or secure drop box in the main entrance. Court hearings will be conducted via Zoom video conferencing. Branch 1 hearings for Judge Ehlers will be live-streamed at www.wicourts.gov.