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Essential businesses remain open during Safer at Home

Despite a mandated closure from Gov. Tony Evers March 24, of all non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cadott, Cornell and Holcombe can still offer community products/services needed to stay fed, clean and healthy.

Evers issued a Safer at Home order (Emergency Order 12) that prohibits all non-essential travel, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective until 8 a.m., Friday, April 24, or until a superseding order is issued.

“I know the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult and has disrupted the lives of people across our state,” said Evers. “Issuing a Safer at Home order isn’t something I thought we’d have to do and it’s not something I take lightly, but here’s the bottom line: folks need to start taking this seriously.”

“Each and every one of us has to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19, so we can flatten the curve to ensure our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers have the opportunity to do their important work. Let’s all do our part and work together.”

Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes, but they must comply with this order as to when it is permissible to leave home. Similarly, if a business is an essential business or operation as defined in the order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue its work that is done in compliance with the order.

Critical infrastructure will continue, as will law enforcement and healthcare institutions, while most manufacturers and banks, and necessary businesses and services will also remain open, with reduced contact.

For example, KJ’s Market in Cornell, is open and ready for business. Hours have been reduced from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and measures have been taken to ensure social distancing, such as cordoned off checkout lanes.

One person at a time is allowed through the lane and the area is sanitized afterward. Store director Marty Timmerman says employees are doing their best to keep items stocked, while there are certain limits on some products.

“We just ask that people shop responsibly,” said Timmerman.

If anyone needs protein, Crescent Meats between Cadott and Cornell, is still open and practicing good sanitary conditions.

Gas stations will also remain open, including Cornell Express, DJ’s Mart, Holcombe Cenex, 12-Mile Cenex and River Country Plaza. Some, like River Country, are cleaning and sanitizing on a regular basis, including pumps.

However, the coffee/beverage bars have been closed down, per the governor’s order, and no unwrapped hot food will be sold.

“Otherwise, it’s business as normal,” said Jo Gebert, Holcombe manager.

There have been a few changes to area discount stores, with paper products limited to each customer at Family Dollar in Cornell. Dollar General in Cadott, has also implemented some changes, offering senior store hours, designed to help “vulnerable” neighbors find the things they need during the first hour of business.

Dollar General will also close an hour earlier and limit paper product purchases.

Although it was mandated March 17, that bars and restaurants had to close their doors to sit-down meals, that doesn’t mean food isn’t offered in some capacity.

Ready-made meals are still available, in takeout or delivery form, from businesses such as Big Minnow, Big Swede’s Resort, Black Bear Bar, Cadott Family Restaurant, Crescent Tavern, DJ’s Mart, Dylan’s Dairy, Flater’s Resort, J & J’s

See SAFER AT HOME/ Page 3 Sports Bar, Kathy’s Diner, Moonridge Brew Pub, Paradise Shores (while supplies last), Pine Drive, Sam’s Place, Spare Me Bowling Alley and Stacker Nutrition.

Some, like BeeFit Nutrition, Lake Holcombe Cafe and Yellowstone Cheese, have even instituted a “drive-through” method, opening a window at their business to pass food through.

“So, we’re selling cheese through the window,” said Yellowstone manager Jeff Soppland.

While some hours have undergone changes for the businesses, support for the most part hasn’t waned, which not only keeps the businesses, but the workers, employed.

“We have amazing customers and they’re doing their best to help us out,” said Lake Holcombe Cafe employee Bobbi Kiblen.

Some chain food service stores, such as Subway, have implemented safety measures, such as ordering sandwiches through the business’ app, or, in the case of Cadott’s location, allowing only five customers in line at a time, 6 feet apart from each other.

In regard to health options, the Cornell Pharmacy will remain open, but has changed operation of its facility drastically. For the foreseeable future, customer access inside the building will be closed. The pharmacy will offer curbside service, which can be obtained by placing a call, emailing or online contact, prior to pick-up.

The business also requires payment ahead of time by credit/debit card or a check at curbside.

Hardware stores will also be open for business, and Hey Everything in Cornell, and P& B Lumber in Cadott, are no exceptions. The stores report there have been no changes made to hours or operations, and simply ask people to practice good sanitary measures.

Automotive businesses are also open, as are laundromats, farm feed and pet food stores. Funeral homes are also exempt from closing, with directors suggesting families hold celebrations of life at a later date.

Churches were previously closed and will remain so until the ban is lifted.

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