Gov. Evers orders scaling down of all child care settings in Wisconsin

A maximum of 50 children and 10 staff will be allowed at a time

Brandon Arbuckle by Brandon Arbuckle

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers has ordered the scaling down of all child care settings throughout Wisconsin in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a news release from Wednesday, Evers directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to restrict the size of all child care settings.

Centers will not be able to operate with more than 10 staff members present at a time and cannot operate with more than 50 children at once.

The size restriction will go into effect at 8 a.m. Thursday and will stay in place for the duration of the public health emergency that was declared.

“Child care is an essential service for many of the folks working on the front lines to provide healthcare and vital services to our communities during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Evers. “This is another step forward to ensure that service continues, while protecting our child care providers who are going above and beyond their regular duties to support our families, communities, and state.”

The release said providers have been asked to prioritize families of healthcare and essential service providers.

“I know many Wisconsinites are looking for ways to help during this crisis,” said Evers. “If you are able, keeping your kids at home is one of the actions you can take to have the most impact. I also want to recognize the child care providers around the state who are stepping up to support our communities– we appreciate your service during this challenging time.”

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