COVID-19 Update: Gov. Evers Announces "Safer At Home" Order, Metro to Implement Free Fares & Rear Door Entry/Exit Only

Hi Everybody.

#SaferAtHome

As you may have heard, Gov. Tony Evers announced his decision to order all non-essential business to close under a "Safer At Home" directive, similar in scope to the "Shelter In Place" directives that have been imposed in other states such as California, New York and Illinois.  The full details as to which businesses are exempt from this order are not currently available but will be made available tomorrow. 

This should come as no surprise to those of you who have been reading this blog. Many of you have already been staying in, working from home and only going out in public spaces for essential needs like grocery shopping.

We will still be able to be outside for walks , that doesn't change, and the weather for doing so looks to be improving. 

The details in Gov. Evers' new order will very likely allow restaurants to continue offering carry out and delivery options. Please support our local establishments during this very critical time, including retail shops whose doors are shuttered. Check websites of these businesses for options, including gift cards which you may redeem once this over.

For example, if you normally get your hair cut at a specific salon, consider purchasing a gift certificate you can use later. If you would be purchasing a present for a friend from a local bookstore, don't go to Amazon. Instead, go to that business' website and make your purchase in a manner that will support your community. These small businesses are getting crushed by the coronavirus, and they very much need our help.

Yesterday I posted a link to Monroe St. businesses. It's my goal that we soon have a list for all local businesses in District 13, with information about who is open, who is not, and how we may support them and their employees during the next weeks and months.

This is a very frightening time for many of us. If you have needs that are not being met, or if you know of someone who is in dire need, let me know. Tomorrow, I'll be posting a list of resources where help is available, which will also inform you as to how you can help out if you are in a position to do so.

We overcome the daunting nature of this crisis by working together, helping each other as needed, being mindful in particular of those most vulnerable. We can and will rise to this occasion, of that I have no doubt.

Metro Transit Update

Metro Transit continues to play critical function providing transportation for employees of essential services, including hospital workers, grocery providers, and others.  For many in our community, Metro Transit is the only way to access food, medical appointments, and pharmacies.  As transit agencies around the nation are adapting service and safety protocols, Metro Transit is joining them with additional measures.

Effective Tuesday March 24, 2020, customers are asked to board and exit buses using the rear doors. This new required practice will continue until April 20, 2020 or until such other date as may be determined to address the COVID-19 medical emergency.  Disabled customers in wheelchairs will continue to board at the front of buses. Customers are asked to maintain social distancing and leave at least 6 feet of distance from the driver. Fares will not be collected.

The following measures and requests announced March 17, 2020 continue. 

Capacity on Metro Transit buses is limited to 15 passengers plus the driver.
We ask that Metro Transit be used only for essential trips such as travel to medical appointments, grocery stores, etc.
Please use alternative forms of transportation if they are available to you.
Enter and exit the bus through the rear doors.
You should maintain a distance of 6 feet from the driver and your fellow passengers.

It is particularly important for riders who are at a high risk of severe illness, including paratransit riders, to avoid public transit.

High risk individuals include:

People 60 years or older
People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
People who have a weakened immune system
Women who are pregnant

Metro continues to follow Saturday schedules all seven days of the week. Metro will provide regular weekday (Monday – Friday) commuter service to Verona/Epic (55 & 75), Fitchburg (44, 48 & 49), Sun Prairie (23) and Middleton (72). The University of Wisconsin Campus routes currently will operate regular weekday service Monday through Friday, and standard weekend service on Saturday and Sundays.

As the situation evolves it is likely there will be additional service modifications to maintain access to essential service sectors, and potentially reduce service to low need areas.  Metro Transit will communicate service modifications as appropriate to address community needs.

Available routes and Saturday schedules can be found online at mymetrobus.com, or call Metro Customer Service at 608-266-4466.

Lastly, it's imperative we all take this very seriously. We absolutely must contain the spread of the virus so as to not overwhelm our hospitals. We need only to look at what is going on in Italy to understand what is required of us in this present moment. 

Be safe. Be well. Be kind.

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