RACINE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Operations at bars, restaurants and stores in the City of Racine will begin to resume this week. The city's Forward Racine plan will go into effect on May 26th at 8 a.m. and allows employers to welcome customers and workers once more.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason says the new plan puts more responsibility on people and businesses in the community. During a press conference on May 22th, the mayor expressed hope that this plan will slow the spread of the virus in his community while allowing the local economy to restart. 

“As we move into the first phase of reopening, let me be clear, to all who have been clamoring to reopen your local business, you now have a heightened obligation to keep your employees and customers safe,” says Mayor Mason.

He stressed that this plan does not give people a green light to slack off on taking the necessary precautions to keep the community safe.

“Make no mistake, if the data shows us that we are moving backwards, we will stop and back off for this reopening. If cases are traced back to a business because of violations of this new order, we will publicly identify that business and they will be shut down,” said Mason.

Hair and nail salons can open, but employees need to wear masks and clients are also encouraged to wear them. Clients cannot sit in a waiting area for an appointment and employees need to disinfect stations after each client. Bars and restaurants may open up to 50% indoor capacity if social distancing of six feet can be maintained. No buffets or self-service will be allowed. Most of the rules follow guidelines established by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Individuals are encouraged to maintain a six foot distance between anyone who is not part of their household. The order also encourages frequent hand-washing and cleaning of high touch surfaces including cell phones, door knobs and counter-tops. While in public, at work, or in places where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, people are encouraged to wear a mask or other face covering.

As on Monday, May 25th, there have been 862 cases of Covid-19 diagnosed in the city of Racine and 8 people have died. Racine city leaders say they are basing this plan and any future ones on data provided by health experts. More information can be found here.