Dear WH&LA Lodging Member:
This afternoon Governor Tony Evers announced a brand new
Order
that imposes a statewide moratorium on mass gatherings of 50 or more people to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Wisconsin.
A “Mass Gathering” is defined as" any planned or spontaneous, public or private event or convening that will bring together or is likely to bring together 50 or more people in a single room or single confined or enclosed space at the same time”. This may include, but is not limited to mass gatherings at conference rooms, meeting halls, exhibition centers, tavern, licensed pools, and more.
While the lodging portions of Hotels & motels are technically listed as exempt, along with 22 other specified structures, they must adhere to the specific guidance for restaurants and bars listed below. It is our belief that the portions of lodging properties with meeting spaces are not considered exempt.
Specific guidance is included for Restaurants and bars, which must adhere to the following:
- Operate at 50% of seating capacity or 50 total people, whichever is less
- Preserve social distancing of 6 feet between tables, booths, bar stools, and ordering counters
- Cease self-service operations of salad bars, beverage stations, and buffets
- Prohibit customers from self-dispensing all unpackaged food and beverages
In addition,
all gatherings
that bring or likely will bring together
50 or less
people in a single confined or enclosed space at the same time must:
- Operate at 50% of seating capacity
- Preserve social distancing of 6 feet between people, and
- Follow all other public health recommendations issued by the Wisconsin Dept. of Public Health
The duration of the Governor’s Order is for the duration of the emergency, which basically means until the Governor’s office provides an update officially ending the emergency.
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