Retailers Allowed to Open With Restrictions
Governor Evers has issued Emergency Order #36 Interim Order to Turn the Dial, which goes into effect immediately and allows retail stores and drive-in movie theaters to open.
The Order allows stand-alone or strip mall-based retail stores with an entrance or entrances to the outside to offer in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time. For now, stores with entrances only through a mall or interconnected passage are not included in this provision. Face masks are not required, but are “strongly encouraged” for all customers and staff. In addition, retailers must regulate entry with marks denoting where people can stand to maintain social distancing requirements, and provide alternatives to waiting in line, including allowing customers to wait in their cars for a text message or phone call, or schedule pickups or entries to the store. The Order contains a second set of instructions for drive-in movie theaters.
The Order asks that all businesses review Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation guidelines on safe business practices, and “consider” integrating and adopting the applicable guidelines for the operations that are currently permitted under the Safer at Home Order.