Wednesday, October 7, 2020
On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Governor Tony Evers directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue Emergency Order 3, limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy, with some exceptions. The Order is effective at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, until Friday, November 6, 2020.
As Wisconsin public libraries are local government facilities, they may be exempted from the limitations outlined in this order, as indicated in section 2.c.viii. (page 5). However, DPI supports the Governor’s position on reducing gatherings and encourages libraries to continue following the safety protocols of mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and increased cleaning; and limiting in-person services within their facilities.
DLT acknowledges that public libraries are a matter of local control. We encourage you to contact your municipal attorney, county corporate counsel, or independently contracted attorney for advice when interpreting legal issues.
For additional information, please review frequently asked questions, located on the Governor’s official website.