Some Retail Stores Allowed to Reopen

All standalone and strip-mall-based retail stores are allowed to offer in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time while maintaining required social-distancing practices, according to Emergency Order #36, signed May 11 by Andrea Palm, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

It also allows drive-in theaters to operate with some restrictions. All businesses must continue to follow all safety precautions and guidelines as outlined in the order. 

“In addition to added flexibilities and steps we have already taken for businesses, this is another disciplined turn of the dial that will allow Wisconsin’s business owners to safely get back to work and Wisconsin consumers to support their favorite local spots,” Gov. Tony Evers said upon release of the order. “Both customers and workers need to be confident in their safety, so we need everyone to be diligent in following best safety practices so we can continue to move our state forward while keeping our neighbors, families and communities safe and healthy.” 

A previous order had allowed golf courses to operate, lone employees to provide aesthetic and optional lawn and construction services, public libraries to offer curbside pickup, and every business to provide deliveries, mailings and curbside pickup and drop-off services.

All essential and nonessential businesses are also required to review and consider the Wisconsin Department of Economic Development’s guidelines on safe business practices, which the department released last week.