Star Journal Report

The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision Wednesday that invalidated the Safer-at-Home order has left many residents and business owners with questions. Though there is no statewide guidance available currently, local governmental agencies and chambers of commerce have issued suggestions.

As the state develops new guidance, the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) is urging residents to stay home as much as possible, go out for essential needs only, continue to practice physical distancing, hand washing, and enhanced cleaning practices and to wear a cloth face covering in public when unable to maintain physical distancing.

In a press release, the OCHD states that “although the state Safer-at-Home order is no longer in place, the science and data related to the COVID-19 pandemic has not changed,” and urges businesses that open to protect customers and staff by adopting appropriate safety guidelines.

The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is also encouraging businesses to follow the safety guidelines created by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for reopening, and “to create a climate where your customers feel safe to return.”

The WEDC has posted industry-specific guidelines: https://wedc.org/reopen-guidelines/

For more information about the coronavirus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html