MILWAUKEE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) - Shut down since Gov. Tony Evers' Safer at Home order went into effect on March 25, the governor issued a new emergency order Monday allowing most retailers to reopen immediately.
Under that order, all standalone and strip mall retailers could reopen Monday, but they'd only be allowed to welcome in up to 5 customers at a time and social distancing rules would need to remain in effect.
"In addition to added flexibilities and steps we have already taken for businesses, this is another disciplined turn of the dial that will allow Wisconsin's business owners to safely get back to work and Wisconsin consumers to support their favorite local spots," Gov. Evers said in a statement. "Both customers and workers need to be confident in their safety, so we need everyone to be diligent in following best safety practices so we can continue to move our state forward while keeping our neighbors, families, and communities safe and healthy."
While the lifted restrictions appear to apply to most retailers (and drive-in movie theaters) statewide, it did not appear that indoor malls would be allowed to reopen for the time being. Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, day spas, tattoo parlors and other personal care businesses still aren't allowed to offer services to customers under the new order Monday, though they are able to sell products to individuals.
The new emergency order also did not provide any updates on the state's bars and restaurants, which can continue to operate with only delivery and carry-out service.
You can read the new order here.
Stay tuned to Spectrum News 1 throughout the day as we continue to follow the new developments.