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Racine businesses to reopen
Racine businesses to reopen
RACINE -- For the first time in more than two months, Janna Coca prepares to welcome customers back to Tangles Salon Studio in downtown Racine.
Janna Coca
"We are so excited. Our clients -- they've been very patient with us -- but everyone wants to get in," Coca said.
After installing hand sanitizing stations and developing a plan – the salon will open Tuesday. The first available day under "Forward Racine" – the city's new plan and public health order, which allows some businesses to reopen with limits.
The keyword here: limits.
"Until effective treatment or a widely distributed vaccine becomes available, the threat of continued expansion of the viral disease is very real," said Dottie-Kay Bowersox, City of Racine public health administrator.
For example – hair salons can reopen if they abide by social distancing with limited capacity and are thorough in cleaning and disinfecting touched surfaces.
But Mayor Cory Mason says the order doesn't mean the threat of COVID-19 is over.
"I want to be really crystal clear about this. This is not a green light to slack off," Mayor Mason said.
In fact, Mayor Mason and Police Chief Art Howell say the order will be enforced as a matter of public safety.
They expect residents to report businesses that aren't following the rules.
"As opposed to someone telling us who's selling drugs or who's shooting, they'll tell us who's putting people's lives in danger by not following this order," Howell said.
Trying to prevent another surge in cases, while getting businesses slowly back to work.
Health officials will re-evaluate the plan on June 30 – based on eight criteria – to decide where to go from there.
Mayor Mason says the health department will impose more restrictions if need be.
The Public Health Reopening Order specified within Forward Racine will be in full force and in effect on Tuesday, May 26 at 8 a.m.
Racine Mayor Cory Mason , Racine Public Health Director Dottie-Kay Bowersox and Racine Police Chief Art Howell on Friday, May 22 held a news conference to outline the city’s “Forward Racine” plan to reopen businesses.
All institutions and/or businesses must follow the identified materials below for compliance with the emergency public health order. Racine officials say these standards were based on, but modified from the Badger Bounce Back plan and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Reopen Guidelines for COVID-19.
1. Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and recommendations relating to disease prevention measures, including the use of face masks or cloth face covers, social distancing, and proper cleaning and sanitation. Resources are available here:
2. Businesses operating multiple services must comply with the individual criteria established for each unique service (i.e. bar or restaurant components). Where there are conflicting specifications, the most restrictive applies. Reopening guidelines may be re-evaluated with respect to the emergency public health order.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Reopen Guidelines:
3. Businesses must ensure that provided reopening strategies are not to be construed as superseding state statutes and/or local licensing or permits issued.
4. Specifications for Faith-Based Services, Religious Entities, Places of Worship, and Indoor Places of Arts, and Culture (such as movie & other theaters, social clubs, and museums).
Public Health requirements for all institutions, businesses, and community members:
Written and implemented hygiene policy and procedure that includes:
Written and implemented cleaning policy and procedure that includes:
Written and implemented protective measure policy and procedure that includes:
Questions on the implementation of this strategy and how it affects specific organizations can be directed to the City of Racine Public Health Department at 262-636-9201 or publichealth@cityofracine.org.
In addition, enforcement concerns and complaints can be forwarded through the City of Racine Crime Stoppers by telephone (1-888-636-9330), text message or online (www.racine.crimestoppersweb.com).
Mayor Mason’s Statement After the Announcement of Forward Racine Plan:
Dottie-Kay Bowersox, MSA, Public Health Administrator, released the following statement: