MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Health Department is actively ensuring up to date information reaches its residents and business owners regarding Safe at Home orders. Our intention is to make sure everyone understands what is allowed and what Safe Business practices are. Our first step in enforcement is education:
Where can I find the order online? https://city.milwaukee.gov/Coronavirus
What is different about the new, revised order versus the previous order?
The new order is a measured, phased in-approach. This plan outlines the measures needed now as we focus on the importance of continuation and resumption of businesses and activities for sectors of our economy that are able to operate with Physical Distancing and Protective Measure Requirements and Safe Business Practices in place. Moving forward, the types of businesses and activities that are allowed to resume is expected to expand.
How long will this order be in place? Decisions will be based on the progression through the various phases and will remain fluid and be based on emerging data and research. Once we meet certain criteria including a downward trend of cases the data will be evaluated and the next phase will be issued.
What is different about the new, revised order versus the previous order?
The new order is a measured, phased in-approach. This plan outlines the measures needed now as we focus on the importance of continuation and resumption of businesses and activities for sectors of our economy that are able to operate with Physical Distancing and Protective Measure Requirements and Safe Business Practices in place. Moving forward, the types of businesses and activities that are allowed to resume is expected to expand.
When can we expect restaurants and bars to be able to re-open and have patrons come in for dine-in services?
As we progress through the various phases we will determine when the emerging data and research allow for them to phase into re-opening with capacity limits.
Clarification on retail operations and how many people can be in an establishment at a time.
Limiting the number of individuals in a location to either 25% of the total occupancy or five (5) individuals per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space; whichever is larger.
Clarification on churches and how many people can be at service at a given time?
For all public and private gatherings, the following COVID-19 mitigation strategies shall be implemented:
· Comply with Physical Distancing and Protective Measure Requirements;
· Comply with the gathering size limits applicable to organizations serving high-risk individuals, this limit is 10 individuals or less.
· Prohibit sharing of frequently touched
· Food or beverage offerings must be provided in, pre-packaged boxes or bags for each attendee
· Nothing in this order prohibits the gathering of members of a single household or living unit.
Clarification on outdoor activities that can be conducted like fishing, golfing, etc.
Recreation activities in which Physical Distancing and Protective Measure Requirements will be allowed however Chartered fishing excursion providers shall remain closed.
Clarification on Salons and Spas: Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, day spas, electrolysis providers, waxing salons, eyebrow-care establishments, tattoo parlors, body art establishments, and tanning facilities may open with Physical Distancing and Protective Measure Requirements and the following precautions in place:
· All workstations shall be at least six (6) feet apart;
· Only one client per individual providing services to clients is allowed in the business or facility at a time. No individuals should congregate in a common waiting area before or after their appointment;
· Staff shall wear a mask or cloth face covering while in the business or facility. Clients shall wear a mask or cloth face covering to the extent feasible while in the business or facility;
· Staff and clients should conduct self-assessment for symptoms before appointment; symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle pain, and new loss of taste or smell.
· Chairs and workstations shall be sanitized after each client per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
· All appointments shall be scheduled by phone or online. No walk-in clients are allowed.
When we are notified of a business not following the current orders, we contact that business to ensure there is a full understanding of the requirements. If the business continues to not comply, a citation will be issued as a last resort to gain compliance and protect consumers and employers.
As with the Governor’s Safer at Home order, we anticipate businesses in the City of Milwaukee to voluntary comply with the local order to ensure they are protecting themselves and their customers. We are continuing to distribute reopening guidelines so when the time is right, business are equipped and ready to operate safely. We are Moving Milwaukee Forward!
