With input from national and state health and industry experts, and in partnership with the WI Department of Health Services, the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the WI Department of Tourism, and regional economic development organizations, WEDC has compiled a series of industry-specific documents to help businesses reopen while taking the necessary precautions to maximize safety.

A total of 15 specific industry reopening guidelines for businesses including agriculture, nail and hair salons, manufacturing, retail, and wholesale trade have been released, in addition to a single document including general guidelines. 

Some of the general advice for businesses includes:

In related news, Governor Evers has issued Emergency Order 36, which allows strip mall-based retail stores to allow shopping for up to five customers at a time, and lets drive-in theaters open with some restrictions.

Funds to support businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to become available. Some recent noteworthy updates:

Paycheck Protection Program

WWBIC has offered to support Calumet County businesses that are NOT current WWBIC clients to complete the PPP application process at no cost. Any interested Calumet County business can contact WWBIC Northeast Office Regional Project Director Julie Stoffel for assistance.

Governor Evers has announced the Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant Initiative, a total of $2 million that has been set aside to assist up to 1,000 ethnic minority-owned micro-businesses that have 5 or fewer employees. Businesses are able to apply for a $2,000 grant from May 18-24.

Safe operating guidelines for businesses during the pandemic most often include providing sanitizers and personal protective equipment for employees or customers; yet finding those items, especially cloth face coverings, can sometimes be a challenge.

To assist businesses in finding a reliable stream of protective cloth face coverings, the Wisconsin Supplier Network, operated by WEDC, has created a new supplier category of protective equipment and supplies. Many of the listings are for sources of items such as hand sanitizer, but there are also a few listings for cloth face coverings, also commonly referred to as masks. One such supplier of cloth face coverings which has been successfully used by Calumet County businesses is Monterey Mills, Janesville, which sells small quantities (5 @ $12/piece) up to larger bulk quantities of masks. Another more local supplier of standard face masks is Morton Safety, Neenah, which may be able to provide more traditional face masks.

The local public health departments from Calumet County, Winnebago County, City of Appleton, City of Menasha, and Outagamie County have partnered with the Wisconsin National Guard and healthcare systems to open a free COVID-19 testing site to meet testing demand in the Fox Valley.

 

Testing will be held on Wednesday, May 13, to Friday, May 15, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 Bluemound Drive, Appleton; use the north entrance to FVTC on Bluemound Drive.

 

All Calumet County residents ages 5 and older experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever (>100.4); cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; sore throat; headache; chills or rigors (repetitive shaking chills); muscle aches; new abnormalities in taste or smell can attend.

Individuals are requested to bring a completed patient information form  to the testing site. Forms will also be available at the site. Daily testing capacity will be 300 tests. See the county’s website for more information.