Dane County raises internal collection limits under new public health emergency order

MADISON, Wisconsin – Dane County leaders are easing restrictions on internal and external meetings under a new public health emergency order that will take effect later this week.

Emergency health order No. 13 takes effect on Wednesday and is similar to the request currently in effect. It will expire on March 10.

Public health authorities are changing the sizes of collection limits based on the supply of food or drink.

An indoor meeting offering drinks is limited to 25 people. But that limit increases to 50 if there is no food or drink. Outdoor meetings with food and drinks will be limited to 100 people. The limit will be 150 people when drinks are not available.

Public Health Madison & Dane County currently has a limit of 10 people for indoor meetings and 50 people for outdoor meetings. These limits are in effect until Tuesday.

The new order also eases restrictions when it comes to sports. Games and competitions are allowed for all sports. Individuals should use frontal coverings in most of these situations, according to PHMDC. Physical distance is necessary, except when an individual is actively participating in the sport.

Sports that cannot maintain physical distance all the time are limited to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. All sports must have a policy of hygiene, cleanliness and protective measures.

Gyms can remain open at 50% capacity. More people will be able to participate in group gym classes, as long as the collection limit rules are respected. All sports activities must follow the specific rules, described above, in force for sports teams.

Companies are limited to 50% of the approved construction capacity limits. Temporary retail stores are now allowed up to 50% of the capacity limits approved under the new order.

Salons and spas must limit business to 50% of the approved construction capacity. Workstations must be spaced at least 6 feet apart.

The indoor dining capacity is limited to 25% of the approved seating capacity levels. It is not yet allowed to sit inside taverns at this time.

Religious services are exempt from collection limits.

You can read more about the changes between Emergency Order # 12 and Emergency Order # 13 here.

The new order still requires people to use facial covers in public spaces.

Violation of the emergency order could result in a $ 1,000 fine, according to the city of Madison.

Public health orders will continue to be issued in 28-day increments, which are two incubation periods for COVID-19 disease, and are developed in response to the most recent local data.

You can read about the new emergency application in detail here.