Increased Stay at Home Orders Now in Effect in Wisconsin and Some Tips for Staying Healthy

Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued “Safer at Home” orders which went into effect today at 8 AM. 

Under the order, people will be able to go to grocery stores, doctor's offices and pharmacies and go outside to exercise or walk a dog. But people will be required to stay at home for most other reasons and the governor noted that means "no sleepovers, no playdates and no dinner parties with friends and neighbors."  

Restaurants, which were closed by the governor last week for dine-in service, will be able to continue to provide delivery and curbside takeout, according to the governor.    

Some manufacturers, such as paper product maker Kimberly-Clark Corp., may also stay open under the governor's order.

"Folks, 'all hands on deck' means you too," Evers said in a telephone news conference.

He had previously declared a public health emergency on March 20, but extended the reach of his orders to attempt to contain the spread of the disease.

Republicans, who control the State Legislature, are furious about the effects that the order will have on business (of course!), but can’t control the Governors power to declare emergencies. During the lame duck session in 2018 (after Democrats were elected to fill the entire Executive Branch), the GOP infamously rushed into an emergency session and passed legislation which literally transferred the powers of the Governor to themselves in the Legislature.

Here’s a list of what’s considered essential and allowed to stay open:

Healthcare providers Grocery stores Bakeries Pharmacies Family caregivers Convenience stores Gas stations Pet supply stores Liquor stores Businesses that provide food and beverage manufacturing, processing and distribution Animal shelters Banks Insurance offices Hardware stores Trades, like carpenters, electricians and plumbers Laundromats Post Offices, and other mailing and shipping services Businesses that sell office supplies and IT equipment Transportation services like Uber and Lyft, taxi cab companies and public buses Hotels and motels that close swimming pools, hot tubs and gyms

Now, some tips from a retired RN:

Wash your hands. Remember to wash your thumbs, the web space between your thumb and index finger, both sides of your fingers, and the sides of your hands. Pay particular attention to your nails and tips of the fingers. Use a mild soap (it’s the washing action and foaming rather than the harshness of the soap that does the job). Use hand cream or lotion to prevent your skin from drying out or chapping. Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water isn’t available. It does work, but it is very drying on the skin and you’ll have chapping if you use it too frequently. Don’t use cash. If you have to use cash, then don’t take your change back. Leave it as a tip for the worker who is just as scared as you are and has to work. Use your debit or credit card instead particularly if you’re using a swiping device and are the only one handling your card. While you CAN wash money, I’m not sure how well it removes viruses. You can easily sanitize your card. Don't visit grandma or anyone with a compromised immune system. This includes anyone on immune suppressant drugs like transplant recipients, people taking HIV drugs, anyone on chemotherapy, and anyone who take meds to suppress conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis. No matter how lonely they get, they don’t need you bringing Covid 19 and we know that even people without symptoms are contagious. Give them a phone call instead.  If ordering things online, wash your hands after handling the delivery box. You have no idea who has touched that box before and after delivery. As an added precaution, I leave the box unopened for 2 days (the length of time some viruses can remain on surfaces). Those worries don’t extend to food deliveries (except the bag or box it came in) because food workers in most places are required to wear gloves when handling food. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bag or box your food was delivered in. The food containers inside the bag are fine. Relax! Yes, easier said than done, but when you’re stressed out your body produces stress hormones and those interfere with your immune system leaving you more vulnerable. If you’re stuck at home, do fun things are tackle a project you’ve been wanting to do, but didn’t have time. In fact, those dresser drawers and closets could use some attention around here.

I’m in Wisconsin and we hug — NO Hugging — so I send you my best wishes and (((a virtual hug))). Stay safe.