Gov. Evers orders non-essential Wisconsin businesses closed, confirmed cases in state reach 418

The Associated Press

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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is ordering the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday, and urging people to stay at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed five people in the state and infected 418.

Evers said Monday that he would be signing the order on Tuesday.

"You can still take a walk or a bike ride, but please don’t take unnecessary trips and don’t travel for anything but essential needs like going to the doctor, grabbing groceries or getting medication," he said.

It comes after Evers already ordered K-12 schools and a host of other businesses closed, including bars, restaurants and hair salons, and limited gatherings to no more than 10 people.

But the newer, tighter restriction mirrors what other states have done, including neighboring Illinois.

A bar is empty on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday March 17, 2020, in Milwaukee. On Monday, Milwaukee County municipalities ordered bars and restaurants to close, except for carryout, delivery and curbside service, because of coronavirus concerns.[AP/ Morry Gash]

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, a total of 7,050 people in the state have tested negative.

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