In March 2020, amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers ordered the immediate closure of all bars and restaurants for dine-in services, effective March 17. This directive aimed to mitigate the spread of the virus by limiting public gatherings to no more than 10 people. Establishments were permitted to continue offering delivery and takeout services. The order also extended the closure of all public and private K-12 schools indefinitely and called on the Legislature to waive the one-week waiting period for unemployment compensation. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin had increased from 47 to 88 in one day, prompting these unprecedented measures. 
However, the enforcement of such restrictions faced legal challenges. In October 2020, a Sawyer County judge temporarily blocked an order from the Evers administration that limited indoor public gatherings to 25% capacity. The Tavern League of Wisconsin, representing bars and restaurants, argued that the capacity limits amounted to a “de facto closure” and lacked proper legislative approval. ([AP News][1])
The situation underscored the tension between public health measures and economic concerns, as well as the complexities of legal authority during a public health crisis.
[1]: https://apnews.com/general-news-950ec4d4eae44253d8ca038203c0925f?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Wisconsin judge blocks governor’s order limiting capacity | AP News”
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