Empower Wisconsin | Dec. 1, 2020
By M.D. Kittle
MADISON — Thanksgiving week came with a side of public health fines for Dane County businesses, as Public Health Madison & Dane County clamps down on public gatherings in the COVID-19 era.
Six businesses are expected to be cited for failing to comply with the health agency’s restrictive order, according to Health Education Coordinator Christy Vogt.
“On the 24th, there were onsite investigations done which did find non-compliance at some businesses,” Vogt wrote in an email to Empower Wisconsin. “We receive complaints about businesses daily, and our team follows up on them as they come in.”
First offense citations for violating the public health order are $263.50 in the county; $376 in the city of Madison.
Vogt said there were no citations issued over the holiday week for home gatherings that violated the stringent health orders.
Just a week before Thanksgiving, Public Health Madison & Dane issued its latest order banning indoor gatherings and limiting outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 people. The indoor mandate applies to people who do not live together. It remains in effect until Dec. 16.
Most businesses in the county are limited to 50 percent capacity, and patrons and employees must wear face coverings. Restaurants are capped at 25 percent capacity. Taverns are limited to takeout.
