The Washington-Ozaukee Health Department relaxed capacity guidelines for many different businesses Wednesday.
The department says data shows the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in Ozaukee County, is flat and Washington County is seeing a decrease in the number of new cases. Together, both counties have 509 positive COVID-19 cases.
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For restaurants, the new rules mean that they can now operate at 75 percent of their capacity. Owner of The Patio Bar and Grill in Port Washington, Junior Uselding says it doesn’t change much for him because it would be hard to hit 50 percent or 75 percent.
“I don’t think 100 percent of the people are ready to go out yet,” said Uselding.
Uselding has removed tables inside his restaurant to promote distancing between customers and says his large patio has been a big draw.
"I’m sure quite a few people are happy we have the outside patio that they can eat outside because they feel more comfortable I guess in the open air,” he said.
Wednesday’s update to the guidelines in Washington-Ozaukee Counties also ended the lockdown of all long term care facilities. The lockdown had been put in place in March after several deaths at facilities.