MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison officials announced new measures Sunday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
At a press conference, Madison Major Satya Rhodes-Conway said these new measures included new school closings and limiting mass gatherings to a maximum of 50 people.
All Dane County schools will be closed until at least April 6, according to public health officials.
Restaurants and other facilities will be required to reduce seating capacity to 50 percent, beginning at 12:01 a.m.
Dane County and city of Madison government offices will be focused on essential operations right now, including prioritizing support for vulnerable populations.
Officials are asking people to practice social distancing as they stay at home right now with their families. Limit play dates for children and don't bring your kids around vulnerable populations.
"We do have the power to impact the trajectory of the coronavirus," County Executive Parisi said at the news conference.
Childcare facilities are exempt from the order, but they are private facilities and can make their own decisions about what to do. They are generally following what happens within school districts, but some may need to stay open for critical needs for first responders, according to health officials.
Public transit will continue for now, with staff working on social distancing measures.
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