FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – One former COVID-19 hot spot has decided it will not close businesses again.
Northeast Wisconsin’s first confirmed infections appeared in Fond du Lac County on March 11th. Four days later — it had 11 cases.
As of May 14, Fond du Lac County is allowing businesses to reopen immediately following the State Supreme Court’s decision on Gov. Evers’ ‘Safer-at-Home’ extension.
Fond du Lac County Health Officer Kim Mueller tells FOX 11…
“Rescinding my orders was an easy decision because I feel our business community is at the point where if they’re ready, they’re gonna be ready now. They’re gonna be ready in the same point they would be in two weeks from now.”
There are no restrictions in place for businesses, but Mueller recommends they follow WEDC and CDC guidelines.
“As long as people follow that. One of the big pieces to that would be that social distancing or physical distancing from person to person.”
As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the following businesses in Fond du Lac County may reopen:
Barber/barbering and cosmetology, nail salons, massage therapy establishments and tattoo and body art studios
Restaurants
Grocery stores and gas stations
Religious and funeral services may continue
All bars/taverns
Although Fond du Lac County’s Public Health Order #1 has been rescinded, health officials still encourage everyone to continue the slow of the virus.
The county recommends all businesses and community members practice the following measures:
Plan for and support social distancing
Provide and encourage face coverings and PPE when necessary
Provide signage for and encourage good hand hygiene
Frequently clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces
Screen employees and send sick employees home
Promote telecommunicating and work-from-home when possible
One local business owner tells FOX 11 she’s excited to be open again, and she says she’s taking precautions.
“We have less chairs and tables than what we’re usually having. So we’re taking precautions, but we’re very very excited to be open,” Cari Koenigs, Top Sports Bar & Grille owner, said.
Top Sports Bar & Grille hasn’t been open a year yet.
“It was a financial catastrophe. It was really, really difficult when we were forced to shut down.”
Koenigs says lifting the order has lifted a weight off her shoulders.
“It’s a huge relief to be open again. And I look forward to seeing all of our great customers past and present.”
Mueller says she will be monitoring cases and data.
If there is a spike in new cases, she can issue new ‘Safer at Home’ restrictions.
“If I were to need to enact an order per say that would lessen some of the cases we’re seeing, I definitely have the power to do that, and I would go ahead and do that if I felt it was appropriate.”
Businesses reopening can find more information and guidance here.
