Wisconsin “Turns the Dial” by Allowing Curbside Drop-off (& More) Beginning April 29

April 27, 2020 | Business | COVID | Current Events

On April 27, Governor Evers announced a “turn of the dial” in expanding allowed operations for nonessential businesses. The Emergency Order, signed today by Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, allows nonessential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. This will allow businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses, and others to safely open. Any nonessential businesses that will offer curbside drop-off of goods or animals must comply with the following requirements: (1) only one staff member (employee/owner) may be in a room or confined space, including a vehicle; (2) services must be paid for online or by phone; (3) drop-offs must be scheduled ahead of time; (4) businesses may not require a signature by the customer; and (5) businesses must continue to comply with social distancing requirements as set forth in the Safer at Home Order.

Today’s order also allows outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs, and other similar recreational vehicles. Business offering such rentals must follow the same requirements as those allowing curbside drop-offs and must additionally schedule pick-ups ahead of time and clean rented equipment after each use.  Additionally, automatic or self-service car washes will be able to operate.

This “turning of the dial” order is issued under section 3 of the Badger Bounce Back program announced last week.  This is not Phase One; but is considered interim progress within phases, enabling the reduction of restrictions on certain businesses or sectors.

Refresher: Social Distancing Requirements

Since it’s been over a month since the initial Safer at Home order was issued, some of us may benefit from a reminder. Social distancing requirements include:

1. Maintaining social distancing of six feet between people;
2. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer;
3. Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands);
4. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces;
5. Not shaking hands; and
6. Following all other public health recommendations issues by DHS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
   
   

Other Helpful Points

While these are not new, some of these points may have gotten lost in the sea of new information over the past several weeks, so we are offering these reminders:

• Individuals do not need special permission or documentation to leave their homes, but they must comply with the Safer at Home order and the extension order as to when it is permissible to leave home.
• Outdoor activities that meet social distancing requirements are allowed and can include travel to open public and state parks for walks, hikes, and bike rides. No team or contact sports are permitted. Playgrounds are closed.
• With camping season approaching, keep in mind that campgrounds are allowed to operate as Essential Businesses. They must close pools hot tubs, and exercise facilities and prevent guests from congregating in lobbies or other common areas, and provide adequate space to adhere to social distancing requirements while waiting in line for desk services.
• While golf courses were allowed to open beginning Friday, with certain restrictions, mini golf courses must remain closed.
• Food trucks are allowed to operate as essential business, as long as no seating is provided by the food truck operator and food is not consumed on the premises (even outdoors) and customers are not allowed to self-dispense any unpackaged food (including condiments).
• The Safer at Home Order, and any state-issued orders modifying it, are enforceable by any local law enforcement, including county sheriffs.