Washington Washington County’s top elected official has said all coronavirus restrictions will be lifted, with the county’s interim health official announcing that the United Kingdom has tested positive for the most contagious infections.
The Wisconsin Health Services Department notified the county of the diagnosis on March 12. The person was examined in February, the Washington Ozaki County Public Health Department said in a news release.
Vaccines have been fast in Wisconsin, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, including masks and social distance, variables are the two most effective ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
At the same time, Washington County is entering a “new phase … … free from government sanctions and recommendations,” county executive Josh Schumann said Thursday.
That means there are no COVID-19 capacity limits and no mandatory social distance requirements for county-enforced mask mandates, rest restaurants, rentals and businesses.
“There are no restrictions,” he stressed in an interview with a reporter.
He said the use of “common sense” on what COVID-19 precautions to take is on every business and every person.
“This new phase is best known as a movement toward full return in life, as we have long known, free from government restrictions and recommendations, and a renewal in our commitment to fully accept personal responsibility and personal freedom with love for the neighborhood.” Said in a news release.
In an interview, he said he has no plans to wear a mask to county meetings or events. If other people wanted to wear masks, he said he would do so “absolutely”.
He said people and businesses have to make decisions for themselves.
Schumann, elected in April 2020, has been vocal in his opposition to the Kovid sanctions in recent years. In October, when cases were on the rise across the state, including his county, he said the county would not enforce the mask order and that people reporting mask violations were wasting the health department’s time. In April, when other state governments were shut down under Tony Evers’ safe-house order, he reopened golf courses.
Washington County is in the high category for the burden with 113.9 cases per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks, according to its COVID dashboard.
Milwaukee’s new COVID-19 has more limitations than the health order that is being implemented today, easing the COVID-19 restrictions.
Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson – who was director of the Washington Ozuki Public Health Department until the end of February – announced Thursday that Milwaukee’s new order would ban museums, sporting events, bars and restaurants.
Shomen said in a news release that he has directed the health department to help reopen churches, businesses, civic organizations, schools and other organizations so that normalcy can be restored.
“Public health needs gained extra weight and attention when the novel virus was introduced; so now, vaccine and mitigation strategies force the virus to reduce, so we need the economic, mental, spiritual, and social health needs that COVID-19 increased.” Is, ”he said in the release.
He said the health department will continue to support the community by providing testing and admission for the vaccine.
Some businesses will take COVID-19 hygienic measures
Although the showman is ready to lift the ban, some businesses will err in the direction of caution.
Carl Berth, one of the managers of SwingTime in Zemantown, which includes golf, batting cages, go-karts and driving ranges, said the company would follow the COVID-19 guidelines posted on the company’s website. It limits the social distance and how many people can be in different parts of the facility.
Berth said being out of the facility makes it easier for people to reach social distances.
Pernel Patel, Germantown business owner of Perfect Arch Spa and Eyebrow Threading, said the need for masks was essential due to the nature of his business.
“I need to wear a mask because I’m so close to the client’s face,” he said. “I wear masks, and I tell them to wear masks.”
Germantown Village Administrator Steve Cracklow said the village department and staff members should continue to follow Evers ’mask order.
But he said the village is reviewing its programs and activities and discussing its reopening strategy.
“There is a wide range of emotions,” he said. “We want everyone to find a place (in the village) where they feel comfortable.”
Others will not have coronavirus restrictions
Ryan Hughes, owner of Sticks Golf in Germantown, said he supported Showman’s move to lift the ban, even though he understood it when the shutdown began last March in response to Covid-19.
“I’m for personal freedom,” Hughes said. “I think giving business options (wearing a mask or limiting ability) is the right move. People can stay home if they want to if they are worried about the virus. Or they can come and wear it if they don’t want to. So don’t wear a mask. “
Steaks Golf has an indoor golf simulator and a putting area as well as a restaurant and bar.
He added that if people want to gain social distance, they can. But he’s not telling people what to do.
“I encourage people to stay safe and to respect people who wear masks, to keep people safe,” he said. He said there is a lot of scope to social distance in his business if it is people’s choice.
He said he had put up signs on the door saying the mask was necessary.
As a courtesy, he and his staff wear masks. “I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
Marmen Brooks, owner of Das Barrel Room in Germantown – Tavern & Grill, also agrees with the showman’s approach to lifting the ban.
“We let people decide (what they want to be careful about),” he said. “I’m glad things will get back to normal.”
Showman told a reporter that lifting the ban is a step towards bringing life back to normal.
There will be county fairs, beer gardens and festivals that will look normal, like last summer, he said.
“Some people say they see light at the end of the tunnel,” Shoamen said. “And right now, we’re in the light.”
About 13,860 residents of Washington County have tested positive for COVID-19 and the virus has killed 138 people as of Friday. 362 are active cases.
Kathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @kozlowicz_cathy.
