ELM GROVE — The statewide "Safer at Home" order goes into effect in Wisconsin at 8 a.m. Wednesday, but for many businesses, Tuesday night was their final night open for the next 30 days. Governor Evers has ordered all non-essential businesses to close.
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"This is absolutely heartbreaking," said Julie Karasek.
She owns Patched Works in Elm Grove. Julie has 12 employees and already has staggered their shifts so her employees could be socially distant. Plus, she switched to curbside pickup for her customers. Now she has to shut down along with all other businesses considered non-essential.
"We have started doing some online videos and interactions with our customers, and we intend to ramp that up. We are going to be able to ship out some things," said Karasek.
Besides craft stores closing down, pet groomers also have to shut their doors. Milwaukee dog owners Gezelle Keller and Steven Kardell said they skipped their dog's most recent appointment. Now their pup Bogi will have to go without one.
"It's less front of mind, and we just want to make sure he's happy and we're happy, and hopefully, his fur doesn't get too matted," said Kardell.
The "Safer at Home" order is in effect for 30 days. Julie and other businesses who did not want to talk on camera say they will be back and ready for all their customers when they re-open.