Day by day, Wisconsin is inching closer to “Phase 1” of the state’s Badger Bounce Back Program. The plan to re-open the state’s economy and recover from COVID-19 pandemic. 6 gated criteria have to be met (see the chart here) and as of Tuesday, 5 of 6 have been met with only a downward trajectory of influenza like cases still in the red.
Elizabeth Goodsitt, a spokesperson with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services told TMJ4 News “once we meet all six of the gating criteria, we will move out of Safer At Home order to Phase 1 of the Badger Bounce Back plan.”
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The current “Safer at Home” order is set to expire on May 26th, however the criteria could be met sooner.
Milwaukee County Health Director Dr. Ben Weston was asked if he thought the area was ready to "turn back the dial."
“I think overall we are seeing promising trends. I think we’re moving in a good direction to start a slow scaled dialing back of physical distancing restrictions,” said Weston.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett advised more caution. “I don’t think anyone should be declaring victory or getting cocky we have a long way to go,” said the mayor.
Restaurants are listed as part of Phase 1. They would be allowed to open with restrictions.
John Pandl of Jack Pandl’s Whitefish Bay Inn has been operating as a take out only since the “Safer at Home” order went into effect in March. He’s preparing to open by May 26th when the order expires but says the possibility of opening before if Phase 1 is met, is up in the air.
“Like this whole thing is a day by day thing, and you don’t know what’s going to happen the next day” says Pandl.
To see the complete list of Badger Bounce Back phases, click here.