Milwaukee Health Department releases new guidelines for Safe at Home order

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Health Department has released updated information for residents and business owners regarding Safe at Home orders with the intention of making sure everyone understands what is allowed and what safe business practices are. 

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. 

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
  • All appointments shall be scheduled by phone or online. No walk-in clients are allowed.

When the Health Department is notified of a business not following the current orders, they will 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.

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