Governor Releases Plan To Reopen WI Economy Amid Coronavirus

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers released his plan Monday for reopening the state's economy amid the coronavirus public health emergency. Groups, such as the Wisconsin Tavern League, are pressuring the governor to open bars and restaurants as early as May 1.

The governor's plan, by comparison, does not mention specific dates to reopen the state. Instead, his plan involves three phases, not counting the "Safer At Home" order that Wisconsinites currently live under.

"Safer At Home," which limits the public's ability to travel amid the coronavirus public health emergency, was recently extended until late May.

Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions.

"We've heard from business owners from across the state about how eager they are to return to work," Evers said Monday afternoon. "It's more like turning a dial than flipping a light switch."

Evers said his plan, named the "Badger Bounce Back" plan, was based in part on the President's Guidelines for Opening Up America Again that was issued by the White House on April 16, 2020.

"Currently, Wisconsin does not meet the criteria the White House established to start reopening our state. The Badger Bounce Back plan takes important steps to get the state of Wisconsin there," Evers said in a statement Monday.

According to the state's plan, officials would have to see the following criteria met in each phase in order to advance to the next phase:

Symptoms:

A downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period and
a downward trajectory of COVID-19-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period.

Cases:

A downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period

Hospitals:

Treat all patients without crisis care and a robust testing programs in place for at-risk
healthcare workers, with decreasing numbers of infected healthcare workers.

Phase One

If the above criteria are met the first time, the following would happen:

Reopen restaurants under social distancing guidelines.
Reopen essential businesses and lift retail restrictions.
Partially reopen nonessential businesses.
Reopen K-12 schools.
Reopen day care businesses.

Phase Two

If the above criteria are met a second time, the following would happen:

Bars would reopen under social distancing guidelines.
Nonessential businesses would reopen with best practices.
The state would consider reopening colleges.

Phase Three

If the above criteria are met a third time, the following would happen:

Social distancing guidelines would be lifted and all schools, bars, restaurants and day care businesses would be reopened. Under the plan, there would still be a voluntary quarantine for travelers in areas where the coronavirus is prevalent.

Related Reading

• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
• Coronavirus Closures: Walmart, Woodman's, Target, Mayfair, More

• What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here
• Want to submit an article? It's easy.