Wisconsin State Representative Cody Horlacher has introduced a bill that could eliminate any penalties directed at businesses that violate the Safer-At-Home order.
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Currently, if anyone violates the Wisconsin Safer-At-Home order, they could be fined $500 and/or jailed for 30 days.
According to this bill, businesses would be exempt from those penalties if, "the business makes a good faith effort to comply with the safe business practices and other guidelines issued by the department of health services."
In a Facebook post, Rep. Horlacher said, "We cannot punish people for simply trying to make a living. People cannot be asked to live in fear on a daily basis."
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. Six gated criteria have to be met (see the chart here) and as of 5/12, five of six have been met with only a downward trajectory of influenza like cases still in the red.
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.