Racine Sheriff Elaborates On 'Stay-At-Home' Order Enforcement

RACINE COUNTY, WI — On Tuesday morning, March 24, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued a "safer at home" order, which restricts public movements as a way to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, through the state.

Local sheriff's officials in Racine County are going to help enforce the order, which means that people must stay at home, leave only for essential reasons such as to get groceries or medicine, to get medical care, to get exercise, to take care of others, and for certain types of work.

In a bulletin issued Tuesday afternoon, Racine County Sheriff's office Chief Deputy John Hanrahan said following the new "safer at home order" will save lives and it is up to everyone to do their part.

"The Sheriff’s Office will not be randomly stopping vehicles to ask you where you are going, and it is fine for people to be out on their way to or from essential work, to be out for necessities like going to the pharmacy or getting groceries, or to be out just taking a walk," he said. "People gathering in groups may be asked why they are gathering, to practice better social distancing, or to go home."

Racine sheriff's officials said a deputy is more likely to intervene if they witness or receive reports of:

• Crowds of people gathering, especially if packed closely together or not social distancing.
• Flagrant violation – such as a bar or restaurant having a room full of customers eating in.
• Employees being asked to report to work in-person where the business is not supposed to be open or appropriate social distancing precautions are not taking place.