Evers directs DHS to ban gatherings of 10 or more to stop COVID-19 spread

Gov. Tony Evers has directed the Department of Health Services to ban gatherings of 10 or more people, effective 5 p.m. Tuesday.

All bars and restaurants will be closed except for carry out and delivery. A series of facilities – including healthcare, child care and some government buildings – are exempt from the order.

There are now 72 positive test results for COVID-19 in the state, according to DHS.

Health officials said that they’ve had cases in Milwaukee, Dane and Kenosha counties that indicate community spread happening.

“What we’re saying here folks is simply this – stay home if you can,” Evers said on a press call.

He said the state is also expanding its school closure order until further notice, so there’s no longer an end date.

Evers said he’s asking the Legislature to immediately take up legislation to repeal Wisconsin’s one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits.

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