BioForward Update
Wisconsin Safer at Home Order
Dear ,

Earlier today, Governor Evers released a Safer at Home order, which essentially directs that Wisconsin residents shelter-in-place from 8:00 a.m. March 25, 2020 through 8:00 a.m. April 24, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued. You can see a copy of the order here defining what is and is not included under the policy.

On March 18th, BioForward proactively requested an exemption from any forthcoming "shelter in place" or "stay at home" orders for the State of Wisconsin for all biotechnology, medical device, and related industries. We requested that our exemption be broadly construed to include all activities, R&D, supplies and services required to maintain all biotechnology, medical device, distribution, warehouse, and other supply chain operations without disruption.

We would like to report that our industry is protected (exempted) from this order as we were with the Milwaukee order released earlier in the day. We are proud that BioForward, along with our partners BIO, PhRMA and AdvaMed were proactively working with the Governor’s office on this language. Also, thank you to Jordan Lamb, our legislative counsel with Dewitt LLP, for her outstanding work on this matter.

We wanted to call out a couple of items from the order for your reference:

  • Page 2, item 1.
  • The order defining what Safer-at-home includes
  • Page 5, item 8.
  • Healthcare and Public Health specific exemptions
  • Under the order, individuals MAY leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any Healthcare and Public Health Operations. Contained within those definitions are BROAD categories that cover our member companies, including “manufacturers, technicians, logistics, and warehouse operators, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical gases, pharmaceuticals, blood and blood products, vaccines, testing materials, laboratory supplies… pharmaceutical, pharmacy, medical device and equipment, and biotechnology companies (including operations, research and development, manufacture, and supply chain).
  • Page 6, items 9 & 10.
  • Human Service and Essential Infrastructure exemptions
  • More definition of positions and services that are also exempt
  • Page 14, item 13 v.
  • Manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries exemptions
  • More definition of positions and services that are also exempt
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Although your business may have been deemed to be “Essential,” please note that all Essential Businesses and Operations described in this Order “…shall meet Social Distancing Requirements between all individuals on the premises to the extent possible. Essential Businesses and Operations shall, to the greatest extent possible, use technology to avoid meeting in person, including virtual meetings, teleconference, and remote work (i.e., work from home).” Social distancing requirements includes, but is not limited to, maintaining a distance of six (6) feet between people.

We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty during this challenging time, with information changing from moment to moment. BioForward is trying to translate the moment to moment updates and be proactive to address needs to fortify our industry and our members. We want to reiterate our commitment to you, our members. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you via this form or an email directly to Rissa Guffey. Also, watch our BioForward Coronavirus Resource Guide as we will continue to add resources and events with members in mind.

Stay Well,

BioForward Staff
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