May 15, 2020 4:40p; Updated 4:50p with new information re Kenosha County Board meeting
Brown and Manitowoc counties joined Kenosha County Friday afternoon in rescinding their local versions of ‘Safer at Home’ after the Wisconsin Counties Association warned that such laws could be challenged in court. Kenosha County rolled back its order Thursday evening. The local orders were implemented after the State Supreme Court struck down the state law. Gov. Evers’ legal counsel had said on Thursday that he believed the local replacements were okay. At last report, a local stay-at-home order remained in effect in the City of Racine.
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A ‘best practices’ guide to help local businesses reopen following the COVID-19 shut down was released by Kenosha County Friday. The draft plan—subject to review by an oversight committee—calls for bars to remain closed, except for takeout and delivery. Libraries and restaurants can reopen at 25% capacity. Playground equipment is no longer off limits. A similar guide was released by the Central Racine County Health Dept. Thursday but there are significant differences. For example, bars can open, but only at 50% capacity.
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The number of new cases is surging in Racine County, in part due to results of tests performed by the National Guard at a testing station that opened Monday in Burlington. Through Thursday afternoon, nearly 1,300 specimens were collected. Since Monday, 226 new positives were recorded in Racine County, bringing the total to 987. The rate as a percent of total tests performed is 19%, according to the county. The comparable statewide rate Friday was 6.3%. Another testing station will open Monday in Racine County, this one at Festival Hall in the city.
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Kenosha County recorded another COVID-19 death, bringing the county’s total to 18. 100 new cases have been reported since Monday, increasing that total to 811.
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Racine’s Independence Day fireworks have been canceled and the annual parade will be downsized. According to a report in the Journal Times, organizers plan to put on a smaller parade that’ll weave its way through various neighborhoods in a bid to spread out the crowd. Details are still being worked out.
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The Kenosha County Board has been criticized for continuing to meet in person. That practice apparently will continue but at a new location: The Kenosha County Job Center, in a space larger than its regular home. Members of the public are still being encouraged to stay away and listen instead over the phone, but citizens won't be subject to arrest if they choose to attend. A citizen was arrested and cited at the last county board meeting. The next session is Tuesday.
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