Evers bans mass gatherings due to coronavirus

Gov. Tony Evers said Monday he’s directing the Department of Health Services to ban gatherings of 50 people or more to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Critical services – like grocery stores, food pantries, child care centers, pharmacies and hospitals – are exempt from the order.

“This isn’t a decision I made lightly and we understand this will have an impact on Wisconsin workers, families, businesses and communities, but keeping folks safe and healthy has to be our highest priority,” Evers tweeted.

More details will be available at a 1:30 p.m. press briefing, the governor said.

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