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A Wisconsin judge has put a temporary hold on an order by Gov. Tony Evers' administration that limits the capacity of bars, restaurants and indoor spaces amid record numbers of coronavirus cases in the state.

 capped indoor public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of the total occupancy limits for the room or building, with exceptions for schools, childcare, healthcare and long-term care facilities.

 from Sawyer County Circuit Judge John Yackel blocks the new rules, which went into effect on Thursday.

The case was brought by the Tavern League of Wisconsin, the Sawyer County Tavern League, and the Flambeau Forest Inn. 

The plaintiffs argued in their lawsuit that if the emergency order is enforced, "it will result in a devastating loss of customers, sales, and revenue that will put Plaintiff Flambeau [and other similarly situated establishments] substantially or entirely out of business."

A court date has been set for Monday, and the judge's action requires attorneys for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to appear in court and defend the order.

The state saw record numbers of both coronavirus 

on Tuesday: 3,279 new confirmed cases and 34 newly reported deaths.

 last week, the Democratic governor explained why the new restrictions are necessary.

"Trust me folks, I know we are all tired. We are all frustrated. And we just want to get back to our Wisconsin way of life — you and me both," Evers said. 

"We need everyone to change their behaviors and work together so that we can get back to some sort of normal, for our kids, for our small business owners, for our workers, and of course for each other. It is simply not enough to only wear a mask. We need everyone to take further action to help stop the spread of this virus and flatten the curve." 

Health

Politics and Government News

COVID-19

Laurel Wamsley

Author

The rules issued last week limited indoor public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of total occupancy limits. The state's Tavern League argued the caps would effectively put its members out of business. 

Judge blocks Wisconsin governor's indoor capacity limits amid spike in COVID-19 cases

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