Wisconsin has become one of the country’s hot spots for COVID-19. We have to get this virus under control, and we need to take further action to help stop the spread of this virus and flatten the curve.

Because here’s the deal, folks, our hospital systems are not invulnerable either. Our healthcare systems are teetering. They’re on the brink and when there’s no room at the inn and that inn is your local hospital, that’s a problem for everyone.

That’s why today I directed @DHSWI Secretary-designee Palm to limit public gatherings to 25% capacity in indoor public spaces. Find Emergency Order #3, as well as a list of exempted gatherings and a FAQ document, here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2a47827

There are some exceptions to the order, but here’s the bottom line: our healthcare workforce is becoming overwhelmed, our small businesses are feeling the financial strains of the pandemic, and our friends and neighbors continue to get sick. We cannot let this continue.

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. At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, we have to change the course of this virus.

Please stay home as much as possible, limit your travel to essential needs only, and if you have to go out, please wear a mask. We'll get through this together, Wisconsin.