In the most drastic move by state government yet, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers directed a ban on gatherings of ten or more people Tuesday afternoon to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The order comes one day after Evers had banned gatherings of 50 or more people.
Exceptions exist for things like childcare, law enforcement, and medical facilities.
“Our top priority at this time is to keep Wisconsinites safe and healthy by reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially for those who are considered high-risk. With limited tests available nationwide and continued community spread, we have to take every precaution to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors,” Evers said in a statement.
The statement also said the number of COVID-19 testing specimens coming into the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene far outpaces testing capacity. On Tuesday, the state introduced a tiered testing system to prioritize critically ill patients, hospitalized people with respiratory tract issues, and health care workers. Other testing specimens will be sent to other labs, resulting in longer wait times.
