Eau Claire city-county health officials issue updated COVID-19 order

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Eau Claire city-county health officials issued an updated order today that outlines new guidelines specifically tailored for one-on-one personal services.
This update comes after public health experts reviewed evidence and best practices for protecting the public and workers who provide the services in close proximity for extended periods.
Although the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the state’s Safer at Home order last week, COVID-19 Eau Claire area and “poses a serious threat to public health,” the Eau Claire City-County Health Department said in issuing its own COVID-19 Prevention and Control Order today.
“We know that employees, employers and our community members don’t want to unknowingly spread COVID-19 in close-contact situations,” said Lieske Giese, the city-county health director. “We really view all of our businesses and community members as partners in this effort to slow the spread of disease in Eau Claire County.”
The order is intended to provide framework in which businesses can be open and community members can resume some normal activities, while also curbing the the spread of this virus,
Many of county residents who tested positive are believed to have gotten sick while traveling outside of the community, at mass gatherings and lack of physical distancing at work or other settings, Giese said.
As a result, much of the order requires continuing the physical separation of 6 feet or more and limiting the number of people in a confined area.
Some of the order’s details are:

• Individuals are strongly encouraged to stay at home or their place of residence, minimize travel outside of the county and keep their number of connections small.
• Restrictions for public spaces and buildings, such as physical distancing and limitations on the number of people present at one time.
• Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted, but religious gatherings and other 1st Amendment-protected activities are exempt.
• Elderly and vulnerable people are encouraged to take additional precautions.

Under this order, all businesses, facilities, playgrounds, campgrounds and other amenities may open and operate unless they are unable to meet and maintain the safety and protection measures outlined in the order.
The eight-page order, which took effect immediately, will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. May 28.
Subsequent orders may be issued, based on what health officials observe as they monitor conditions.
The health department encourages businesses to follow the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.’s reopening guidelines.
More information is available on the Eau Claire COVID-19 website. website Questions from the public also may be directed to the COVID-19 call center at (715) 831-7425.

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