Wisconsin bars, dine-in restaurants ordered closed

HURLEY, Wis. — Wisconsin follows Michigan in ordering bars and restaurants to close at 5 p.m. Tuesday along with other restrictions on gatherings in light of efforts to slow the pandemic spread of coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19.

Gov. Tony Evers directed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to issue the closure order for restaurants and bars other than to offer take-out or delivery. The order followed news COVID-19 cases involving people who were exposed locally and not while traveling abroad were increasing in the state.

“Our top priority at this time is to keep Wisconsinites safe and healthy by reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially for those who are considered high-risk,” Evers said.

A wave of patrons wearing green were celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the The Iron Horse Saloon on Tuesday afternoon. The patrons chatted it up and kept the bartender busy as the juke box belted out “Irish Rover,” “Red is the Rose,” and other traditional Irish favorites.

Bill Hall, the bar owner, stood on the side mingling with regulars as he worked. If there was a last day before an indefinite closing, then St. Patrick’s Day gives this March 17 an exclamation point.

“That’s a good way to go out,” Hall said.

The anticipation that Wisconsin was going to make this decision might have seemed certain, he said. But until Tuesday the state said one thing, the Wisconsin Tavern League said another, and local health and local law enforcement also had an ear to the ground, he said.

Hall said he worries for the many family owned “mom and pop” bars in Wisconsin. His staff will endure a considerable cut in hours as a few essential kitchen and and wait persons handle the takeout orders.

“We’ll just have to see and play it out, and go from there,” Hall said.

There is definitely more money with inside dining and the alcohol, he said. His plan is to maintain the specials and expects that supportive regulars will keep up the takeout orders.

Hall said he also plans advertise the curbside service so that people know to call ahead. This will be both convenient for customers not having to wait which is also the purpose of the COVID-19 related closure, he said.

“We’ll get through this. We’ll persevere if we stick together with Michigan helping Wisconsin, and Wisconsin helping Michigan. Then we’ll be all right,” Hall said. “At least I can get a lot of cleaning done and some painting during this time off because there won’t be anyone in here.”

Down Silver Street at the Iron Nugget the bar and inside seating for the restaurant were already closed. A lone server was busy taking takeout orders on the phone for the kitchen staff and letting callers know to pick up their food at the back door.

“I know what this means for our small business owners and the struggles they and their workers will face in the coming weeks, but we are committed to working with our federal partners, state officials, and stakeholders to ensure we are doing everything we can to assist during these uncertain times,” Evers said in his announcement.

The agency order also prohibits gatherings of 10 people or more to slow the spread of COVID-19. Exceptions include transportation, educational institutions, child care, hotels, military, law enforcement, food pantries, hospitals and long-term care facilities. Grocery stores and convenience stores, utility facilities, job centers, and courts are also exempt.

Schools will also be closed for the duration of the public health emergency.

According to an Associated Press story on Tuesday, Evers also extended the closure of all public and private K-12 schools indefinitely and called on the Legislature to waive a one-week waiting period to receive unemployment compensation insurance. Evers said he would be talking with legislative leaders today about an aid package.