Current Order
On October 6, Governor Tony Evers announced Emergency Order #3, which is in effect from October 8, 2020 until November 6. This state order will be in effect in Dane County in addition to Dane County Emergency Order #9.
Under Emergency Order #3, local municipalities are permitted to have orders that are more restrictive than the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Order.
After review of both orders, Public Health Madison & Dane County has determined that our local Emergency Order #9 is more restrictive, therefore no change in operation is necessary and all businesses and individuals must continue to follow Public Health Madison & Dane County’s order. See our news release for more information.
Read current order
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The Current Order at a Glance
Below is a high-level overview of contents in the current order. Please refer to the full order for details.
Masks
Masks are required for most people 5 years of age and older when in an enclosed space with people you don't live with.
Businesses, Workplaces, Restaurants, and Taverns
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Most businesses and workplaces can be open to 50% capacity, with certain precautions and policies in place.
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Businesses and workplaces should be using remote work options to the greatest extent possible.
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Restaurants are limited to an indoor dine-in capacity of 25% of approved seating capacity levels, with physical distancing between parties. Outdoor seating is allowed with physical distancing. Customers must wear masks when not actively eating and drinking.
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Indoor seating at taverns is not allowed; customers may enter taverns only to order, pick-up, and pay for food or beverage. Outdoor seating is allowed with physical distancing. Customers must wear masks when not actively eating and drinking.
Gatherings
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Indoor mass gatherings are limited to 10 people or less, not including employees, with physical distancing and masks.
- Outdoor mass gatherings are limited to 25 people or less, not including employees, with physical distancing and masks if in enclosed space (e.g., park shelter, outdoor seating at restaurant).
Schools
The Wisconsin Supreme Court entered a temporary injunction that allows K-12 schools in Dane County to fully open for in-person instruction. The Court has issued a briefing schedule and will be scheduling oral arguments to hear the case. We are disappointed in this decision and strongly urge all schools to continue voluntary phasing-in of classes for in-person instruction for grades 3-12 per Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations.
I think a business is operating unlawfully. What can I do?
We are counting on the good judgment of residents in deciding when to go out. The intention of this order is not penalize individuals but to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Please email us if you believe a business is operating unlawfully.
Employees concerned about safety at work
For employees returning to a work environment that is not following the orders and are concerned about their safety, please review our fact sheet, workplace requirements for employers and workers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Current Order
See our Frequently Asked Questions document for answers to questions about mass gatherings, businesses, sports, and more.
Past Orders
- Order 1 (May 13, 2020 to May 18, 2020)
- Order 2 (May 18, 2020 to May 26, 2020 at 7:59am)
- Order 3 (in Spanish) (May 26, 2020 at 8:00am to June 5, 2020)
- Order 4 (June 5, 2020 to June 15, 2020 at 7:59am)
- Order 5 (June 15, 2020 at 8:00am to June 25, 2020 at 9:59pm)
- Order 6 (June 25, 2020 at 10:00pm to July 2, 2020 at 7:59am)
- Order 7 (July 2, 2020 at 8:00am to July 13, 2020 at 7:59am)
- Order 8 (Spanish and Hmong are included within the order) (July 13, 2020 at 8:00am to August 24 at 7:59am)
- Order 9 (August 24 at 8:00am to September 1 at 11:59pm; note an amendment to this order was issued on September 1)