FRIDAY 5/15/2020 3:14 p.m.
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The City of Appleton is lifting its Safer at Home Order, effective immediately, and issuing local guidance to the community. The decision comes after Brown and Manitowoc counties rescinded their previously-issued orders.
On May 14, the City enacted its version of Safer at Home. The order was put into effect to allow legislators time to create statewide rules ensuring a safe reopening of businesses and activities, according to city officials.
Mayor Jake Woodford says he has been in contact with the Governor and members of the legislature, and it has become clear there will be no immediate legislative action taken to create new rules or guidance to state residents.
Mayor Woodford stated: “It is deeply frustrating and disappointing that the legislature and Governor will not work together, or even attempt to do so, in the interest of statewide health and clarity. The people of Appleton are frustrated and confused as a result of this inaction, and we are not going to wait for the State to act if they aren’t going to anyway.”
The City of Appleton is issuing local guidance to ensure continued vigilance against COVID-19. This guidance includes:
- Using Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Reopening Guidelines
- Following CDC recommendations, including maintaining physical distancing, appropriate hygiene practices, and considering using masks in certain settings
- Following recommendations from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
“The Supreme Court’s ruling did not end the pandemic,” said Health Officer Kurt Eggebrecht. “Along with our partners we continue to monitor and respond to this public health emergency.”
The City of Appleton says it will continue to address all positive cases through contact investigation, reporting findings to the community, and taking necessary steps to prevent and address future outbreaks should they arise.
City of Appleton programming and services will only resume when safely possible.
Officials are advising residents and businesses to proceed with resuming activities cautiously. COVID-19 outbreaks remain a significant threat and could jeopardize the health and safety of residents and the continuity of important services.
Original Story: Appleton to continue enforcing ‘Safer at Home’ order after state Supreme Court strikes it down
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The City of Appleton will continue to enforce the Safer at Home order in the face of the Wisconsin Supreme Court striking it down.
According to city officials, the concerns regarding the safety and well-being of its citizens and those working in the city remain. To that end, the City of Appleton says it is coordinating with City of Menasha Health Department and health departments of Brown, Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties to continue all parts of the Safer at Home order.
The city says it is basing its order on a template provided the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to state health officers to improve coordination.
The order, signed at 10:15 p.m. on May 13, 2020, by City of Appleton Health Director Kurt Eggebrecht, will be effective at 8 a.m. on May 14, 2020, and will expire at 8 a.m. on May 20, 2020.
This timeline is consistent with the six days requested by the state legislature to allow time to establish statewide rules to safely reopen Wisconsin.
Read the full order here:
Appleton is not alone in its efforts. Late Wednesday evening, Brown County Health Officer Anna Destree had also reinstated the previous Safer at Home order issued in Wisconsin.
After the ruling was made, Governor Evers, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, and many Wisconsin lawmakers from both sides of the aisle responded to the state Supreme Court ruling striking down ‘Safer at Home’ order.
