In case you somehow missed it: Monday afternoon, due to COVID-19 concerns, Gov. Tony Evers ordered a statewide ban on gatherings of 50 or more people. Under Evers’ order, Wisconsin restaurants and bars could technically stay open, just with a reduced capacity.
That order lasted all of a few hours. Late Monday, Milwaukee County officials stepped in and effectively shut everything down. Beginning at 2:01 a.m. today, all restaurants and bars in Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, St. Francis, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay are closed. They can now offer carry-out and delivery services only. The dramatic action is the result of concerns of community transmission of COVID-19.
“Liquor, beer and wine sales in Milwaukee County and its municipalities are restricted to carry-out sales and delivery only, to the extent permitted by law. No onsite consumption is permitted,” reads the order. “Food and beverage sales are restricted to carry-out and delivery only. No onsite consumption is permitted.”
There are some exemptions, however:
• Food service in health care facilities
• Food service and catering at weddings or funerals
• Lines for carry-out must have an environment where patrons and staff maintain social distancing (six feet away from other people) whenever possible
Grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, food pantries, and childcare centers are also exempt from the order.
“Everyone is urged to continue to wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory etiquette (coughing into elbow, etc.),” reads the order. So yes, please, keep doing that.
There is currently no end date for the closures. Find a list of all the lists of Milwaukee restaurants that are offering carry-out and delivery services HERE.