The Status Of Stay-At-Home Orders And Other COVID-19 Restrictions In Wisconsin

Regardless of local restrictions, public health officials still recommended people follow social distancing guidelines.

On Wednesday, May 13 the state Supreme Court overturned Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order, striking down statewide rules issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) limiting the operation of non-essential businesses and calling on residents to limit their travel.

Some counties and municipalities across the state immediately began issuing their own orders, or announcing the state’s “Safer at Home” order would still apply in areas under their jurisdiction.

Two days later, many counties began rescinding their local stay-at-home orders following questions on the legality of the orders.

These are the local governments Wisconsin Public Radio has confirmed will continue to enforce restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.

WPR has removed information for counties and cities where stay-at-home orders have expired or been rescinded. Most counties that have not issued formal restrictions are asking businesses to follow public health guidelines and are encouraging residents to stay home as much as possible.

This list will be updated.

Dane County

Public Health Madison & Dane County issued a new public health order Tuesday, May 19 that allows businesses to prepare for reopening. The order allows golf and disc golf courses, salons and spas and standalone retail locations to operate if they follow public health guidelines. The order remains in effect until the county reaches criteria set for further reopening.

Douglas County

Douglas County is requiring any business that reopens to follow the health and safety guidelines set out by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

Eau Claire County

The Eau Claire City-County public health officer issued an updated order Monday, May 18 that encourages residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. It also allows all businesses to reopen, as long as they can follow social distancing and other public health guidelines.

The order limits gatherings to no more than 10 people and mandates social distancing and other preventative measures in all indoor and outdoor public spaces. The order is in effect until Thursday, May 28.

Florence County

Florence County’s public health officer issued an order Thursday, May 14 announcing the county would begin re-opening under the Phase One guidance set out in the governor’s “Badger Bounce Back” plan. The order allows gatherings of up to 50 people and allows bars, restaurants, salons, spas and barber shops to open as long as they follow social distancing and other public health guidance.

Ho-Chunk Nation

On Thursday, May 14 the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislative Branch posted a reminder to its Facebook page that the tribe’s state of emergency is still in place. The post doesn’t cite an end date. The tribe’s website lists changes made in response to COVID-19.

Lac Du Flambeau Band Of Lake Superior Chippewa

The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council approved a stay-at-home order and curfew for tribal jurisdictions that went into effect March 24. The order states the order and curfew will continue until amended or rescinded by the council.

Menominee Indian Tribe Of Wisconsin

The Menominee Tribal Legislature issued a reminder Thursday, May 14 that the tribe’s emergency orders remain in place through Wednesday, May 25, or until they are modified by tribal leadership.

Milwaukee County

Hours after the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling was released, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett tweeted the city’s public health order remains in effect. The city amended the order Thursday, May 14 to allow the reopening of playgrounds, salons and spas and other businesses as long as they follow public health guidelines. It also allows gatherings of up to 10 people. The order has no end date.

The other 18 municipalities in Milwaukee County jointly issued an order for the county’s suburban municipalities. It continues to restrict restaurants and bars to take out and delivery service only. The order allows retailers to open at 25 percent capacity, and salons and spas to begin operations if they follow social distancing guidelines. The order remains in place until Thursday, May 21.

Mole Lake Band Of Lake Superior Chippewa

The Sokaogon Tribal Council issued an emergency resolution March 21 restricting non-essential travel and closing non-essential businesses. That resolution is still in place without a specific end date.

Oneida County

Oneida County issued a reopening plan Friday, May 15. It states the county is in Phase One of reopening, with some businesses like salons and spas also allowed to reopen. Each reopening phase sets out requirements for businesses to follow public health guidelines. The plan also outlines the criteria for moving to each new phase of reopening. These criteria are based on the state’s Badger Bounce Back plan.

Oneida Nation

The Oneida Nation declared a public health state of emergency and a stay-at home order Thursday, May 14 which are in effect until June 11.

Racine County

The city of Racine issued an order Wednesday, May 13 extending the provisions of the state’s stay-at-home order for residents until Tuesday, May 26.

Racine County has not issued its own public health order, but released a report Wednesday, May 13 on reopening the county.

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

The Red Cliff Band Tribal Council issued their own stay-at-home resolution. Following the state Supreme Court’s ruling, the council met Thursday, May 14 and decided to keep the tribe’s resolution in place until Tuesday, May 26.

Rock County

Rock County issued an order Wednesday, May 13 extending the provisions of the state’s stay-at-home order for residents until 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21. It is being replaced with a county, phased approach.

Stockbridge-Munsee Band Of Mohican Indians

The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council issued a release Thursday, May 14 stating the tribe’s isolation order, which limits gatherings, requires self-isolation and created a curfew, remains in place until Tuesday, May 26.