MADISON, Wis. — Dane County’s new public health order places new restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings.
The order goes into effect on Wednesday and lasts until mid-December.
It bans indoor mass gatherings and limits outdoor meetings to no more than ten people.
But what exactly does this mean for you?
Here’s a list of some major takeaways from the new order.
Schools
Public and private schools can only offer in-person learning to students in kindergarten through second grade. Schools must also provide a virtual option for these students.
Students in any grade with a disability, Individualized Education Program (IEP) and those with unique needs may also receive in-person instruction.
Students and staff must wear a face covering, if possible, inside the building and on school buses. Social distancing also must be practiced inside classrooms, on buses and on school grounds.
Gyms
Gyms will remain open under this order, but will operate at 50% of the approved capacity limit.
Group exercise classes are considered mass gatherings and are not inside if they involve members from separate households. Group exercise classes outside are limited to 10 people not from the same household.
Sports
Courts and fields will remain open, but physical distancing is required at these sites.
Games and competitions are allowed for low risk sports. Low risk sports are those that can be done individually or with physical distancing.
Games and competitions are not allowed between teams for medium and high-risk sports. However, games and competitions within teams would be allowed, if the events are modified to ensure physical distancing is maintained at all times.
Stores
Stores are limited to 50% of approved capacity levels. Stores larger than 50,000 square feet must also offer two hours per week of dedicated shopping time for vulnerable individuals.
Stores must also encourage pickup and delivery options.
Sampling of goods, including food, make-up and perfume, is prohibited.
Restaurants/Taverns
Indoor dining at restaurants is limited to 25% of approved seating capacity levels. Tables and chairs must be six feet apart to follow social distancing guidelines. Tables will be limited to six customers who are members of the same household. Customers must be seated at all times while inside the restaurant, unless walking to the table or bathroom.
Customers may only enter taverns for the purposes of ordering, pick-up and payment of food and beverage.
Outdoor seating is allowed at restaurants and taverns as long as social distancing guidelines are met.
Religious Services
Churches, temples, mosques, synagogues and other religious entities are exempt from mass gatherings requirements for religious services and religious practices only.
Any other event outside of a religious service or practice, like picnics or staff meetings, are not allowed.
Salons/Spas
Salons and spas must limit the number of clients to 50% of approved capacity levels. So if a capacity level is four or less, then one client is allowed inside.
Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spas, tattoo shops, tanning facilities all fall under this category.
Chairs, tables and work stations must be spaced at least six feet apart from one another.
Outdoor activities
Playgrounds and splash pads will remain open under the new order.
State, county and city parks will also remain open, as well as hiking and recreational trails in the county.
Golf courses and mini golf courses can stay open under the new order.
Other activities
Libraries, community centers, zoos and aquariums are allowed to stay open as long as long as they operate at a 50% capacity.
Things like concerts, festivals, carnivals, parades and movies are considered mass gatherings and must following the new limits for indoor and outdoor events.
Hotels and vacation rentals will remain open, but guests are now allowed to congregate in common areas.
How will enforcement work
Violation of the emergency order could result in a $1,000 fine, according to the City of Madison. Enforcement will be based off customer and public complaints.
You can read the order in its entirety here.
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