Evers ‘turns the dial,’ eases some restrictions

Star Journal Report

An emergency order signed Monday by Gov. Tony Evers allows all businesses in the state to get back to work by doing curbside drop offs and pickups, allowing customers to purchase goods online or over the phone from a local store. Businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses, plus outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, kayaks, ATVs and others.

“This order means that every business across our state can do things like deliveries, mailings, curbside pick-up and drop-off, and it's an important step in making sure that while folks are staying safer at home, they can also continue to support small businesses across our state,” Evers said.

Evers said this “turn of the dial” must ensure that workers are safe. All businesses must operate free of contact with customers and payment must be made online or on the phone: businesses must enact proper disinfecting practices, operations must be able to be performed by one staff member and all social distancing and requirements of the Safer-at-Home order must be followed.

Non-essential businesses that must remain closed are those that involve prolonged contact between individuals, creating an increased risk, such as hair salons and barbers. “It is just a type of risk you can’t mitigate,” said Ryan Nilsestuen, chief legal counsel for the office of the governor.

Monday’s easing of restrictions are added to others made available last week:

• Golf courses were opened this past weekend;
• All businesses are allowed to offer curbside pick-up, allowing customers to purchase goods online or over the phone from a local store;
• Construction businesses can do aesthetic or optional construction work so long as it is performed by a single person;
• Public libraries can provide curbside pick-up of books and other library materials;
• Arts and crafts stores can offer expanded curbside pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks; and
• Landscaping businesses can do aesthetic or optional lawn care so long as it is done by a single employee.