WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — Waukesha County businesses are starting to open up after Wisconsin's Safer at Home extension ended Wednesday.
Thursday was a big day in Waukesha County as people came out on Main Street to see some of their favorite businesses starting to open with new, safer measures in place.
Dan Ing had no idea his shop, Arts & Framing 1 2 3, would be up and running again.
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“It’s just fantastic. I got a few phone calls saying, ‘Yeah I heard the news. Can I bring my picture frame?,'" Ing said.
He's one of many Waukesha businesses now opening without worries of state, city or county shutdown orders.
At Dave’s Family Restaurant, every other booth has been blocked off to encourage social distancing. Arts & Family 1 2 3 will limit customers coming inside.
Morine Bangle served customers at Trademark Salon Thursday after opening.
"Before the pandemic, we've always cleansed and sanitized between clients," she said.
Bangle said she's happy to reopen but will proceed with caution.
"During the pandemic and now moving forward it's all about evolving. How is this business going to evolve," Bangle said.
On TMJ4 News at 4 Thursday afternoon, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said he would be open to closing the county again if COVID-19 cases spike in the county.
In a statement:
“The health and safety of the public is my top priority. We have already seen essential businesses take extraordinary steps to continue to provide service while keeping their employees and members of the public safe, and there’s no reason why other businesses can’t do the same. “In light of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling, many businesses that have been closed will choose to open their doors tomorrow, and many others will choose to expand their operations. We trust our businesses will do so responsibly. All Waukesha County businesses should continue to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and cleaning and disinfecting whenever possible. They should also consider the guidelines provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and consult with their respective trade or business organizations to identify industry best practices to safely welcome back employees and customers. “Waukesha County continues to have an active and aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County’s Public Health Division, Emergency Operations Center, and other departments and divisions are working to keep residents as safe as possible while allowing our economy to recover from the effects of COVID-19.