Earlier this week the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm’s Executive Order 28 (the extension of “Safer at Home”) was “unlawful, invalid, and unenforceable.” The Supreme Court concluded that parts of Executive Order 28, which confined people to their homes, restricted travel, and closed non-essential businesses, exceeded DHS’s powers under state statutes. The Supreme Court’s ruling means there is no longer a statewide stay-at-home order in place. Businesses are allowed to reopen throughout the state, unless there is a local health order that forbids it. We encourage businesses and the public to check with their local health department for guidance. Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019/20 academic school year. Business owners in the community are advised to follow the guidelines for reopening put forth by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
The Supreme Court ruling defers to local public health departments the task of containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19 during the public health emergency. Current law allows local public health departments the authority to do this. On Thursday, the health departments of Franklin, Oak Creek and South Milwaukee all put out identical temporary public health orders, the “COVID-19 Public Health Plan for Suburban Milwaukee County.” These orders remain in effect through 11:59pm on Thursday, May 21, 2020. The orders are enforceable by local law enforcement officials (including county sheriffs) or the local public health officer. For more information or updates, you may wish to contact your local health department.
Members of the community are encouraged to continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on sensible practices such as social distancing, good hand washing, sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, and staying home when sick.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or know you have been exposed to COVID-19, you can contact your doctor and ask to be tested. Alternatively, you can also be tested at a community testing site at no cost. Some locations may require a doctor’s note or appointment to receive a test. There are community testing sites in our community (by appointment only) at:
Froedtert Drexel Town Square Health Center, (414) 805-2000
Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Franklin, (833) 443-2584
Additionally, DNR announced the re-opening of eight Department-owned shooting ranges (with special conditions). Ranges are now open and will maintain normal hours of operation. The ranges may utilize capacity limits, and some may place limitations on building entry. Visitors are encouraged to bring face masks, gloves and sanitizer along with them, and are reminded to practice social distancing.
Skip the DMV, renew your license online
Due to COVID-19, approximately 80,000 people received an extension until July 25, 2020 to renew their driver license. In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is piloting a program to allow many drivers to renew their license quickly and easily online at wisconsindmv.gov/renewDL. Individuals must meet the criteria below to participate in the pilot program. Drivers who renew their license this way will receive a confirmation email they can print and use until their new card arrives in the mail within 10 days. The pilot program is expected to be in effect through the end of the year.
Reminder from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI)
While you are staying safe at home, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) believes now is a great time to create a personal property home inventory. Documenting possessions is an important step to ensuring you have enough renters or homeowners insurance coverage to protect and replace your valuables if something happens. OCI has put together a consumer publication on creating a Personal Property Home Inventory that you may find useful.
Peace Officers Memorial Day
Today, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor the lives of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while working to keep our communities safe. Thank you to all of our local law enforcement officers.
Armed Forces Day
Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, a day we celebrate and show our appreciation for all active duty service members. If you know a member of the military on active duty, thank them for their service tomorrow!
Useful Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FAQs
Rep. Rodriguez State Capitol, Room 204 N PO Box 8953 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0021 or (608) 266-0610 Rep.Rodriguez@legis.wi.gov | Read Online |
