Kind supports Evers’ new order limiting mass gatherings, WMC objects

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) spoke in support of Gov. Tony Evers’ limit on mass gatherings Tuesday while the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce group objected to it restricting indoor public gatherings to no more than 25% of capacity.

“With COVID-19 cases surging across Wisconsin, the time for action is now. I strongly support Governor Evers’ order to limit indoor mass gatherings,” said Kind. “After months of this pandemic, the science is clear – avoiding large gatherings, wearing a facial covering in public, and practicing good hygiene are some of the best ways to prevent COVID-19. Now, we need to end the partisan games and lawsuits and follow our health care professionals’ advice to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Wisconsinites’ lives are at stake.”

However, WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer said businesses have done enough and individuals are at fault for the recent spike.

“Wisconsin businesses have taken countless steps to protect their employees, customers and the public from day one of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical professionals have said the recent spikes are because individuals are not following the same strict safety guidelines that businesses have implemented. Unfortunately, Gov. Evers’ order will cause even more harm to already-suffering businesses while failing to actually slow the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. Our state’s employers have been true leaders when it comes to health and safety, and this order will just serve to economically punish them when they can least afford it,” Bauer said in a statement.

Over the last week, Wisconsin’s average new case count spiked, with 2,400 people testing positive for COVID-19 each day. On October 3, there were 2,892 new COVID-19 cases, a single-day record.

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