Turn of the dial takes place for non-essential businesses

Gov. Tony Evers has announced another “turn of the dial,” in expanding allowed operations for non-essential businesses, providing even more opportunities for businesses to get back to work in a safe and responsible way.

The Emergency Order, signed by Wisconsin Department of Health Services secretary-designee Andrea Palm, allows non-essential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. This will allow businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses and others, to safely open.

The order also allows outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs and other similar recreational vehicles. Additionally, automatic or self-service car washes would be able to operate.

All of the businesses must operate free of contact with customers, by providing payment options online or over the phone, enact proper disinfecting practices and operations must be able to be performed by one staff member.

“No one wants to reopen our economy as much as I do, and we’re working to do everything we can to make sure we can do so as soon as we safely and responsibly can,” said Evers. “That’s why today, we announced a new order that, coupled with our Safer at Home order that went into effect last week, turns the dial a notch by allowing nonessential businesses to do more than they were able to do before.”

The order goes into effect April 29. In addition to the requirements outlined above, all essential and nonessential businesses must continue to follow social distancing and safety practices required under the Safer at Home order.

“This order means that every business across our state can do things like deliveries, mailings, curbside pick-up and drop-off,” said Evers, “and it’s an important step in making sure that while folks are staying safer at home, they can also continue to support small businesses across our state.”