MADISON — Governor Tony Evers today directed the Department of Health Services (DHS) to issue updates to the previous order prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people.

The updated order maintains the ban on gatherings of 10 or more people and indefinite school closures, but includes some important changes and clarifications:

Bars will be able to have carryout sales of alcohol and food, if allowed by local ordinances and state law. This will help ensure thousands of establishments can stay in business during this unprecedented health emergency.

Media and news organizations can remain open to provide the public with vital information. Laundromats may remain open. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions may remain open if they practice social distancing. All parts of the food delivery system – from farms to stores – may remain open. Cafeterias in healthcare facilities may remain open to serve our healthcare workers.

Allied health professions, such as acupuncturists, are unaffected by the mass gathering ban. All parts of our transportation system can continue. Any facility used for in-person absentee voting or as a polling location may remain open for voting, except for sites at long-term care and assisted care facilities.

Hair salons, day spas, nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, body art establishments, and tanning facilities must close on March 20 at 5 p.m.

Please Note: The Portage County Gazette is providing this story for free so all readers have access to the important information about the coronavirus.