Waukesha County Updates Large Gathering Recommendation

On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, Waukesha County updated its large gathering recommendation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new guidance advises that indoor venues may host events with no capacity limits when CDC guidelines are followed, with a focus on social distancing, separation of groups, and mask-wearing. The previous recommendation advised that a 50% capacity, or up to 250 individuals, could gather indoors. The outdoor event venue recommendation continues to include no capacity limits when safety measures are in place. The recommendation applies to special events such as weddings and sporting events, not daily business functions.   

“Our large gathering recommendation is aligned with the tremendous progress we have made mitigating the COVID-19 virus in our community,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. ”We have seen a steep drop in cases, hospitals continue to operate at sustainable levels, testing capacity has increased significantly, and we are making impressive strides in vaccinating the population. Right now, 30% of our population has received at least one dose of vaccine, and our growing list of vaccinators are reaching about 5% of the population each week.”

All individuals, when in public, should consider maximizing physical distance from others. When physical distancing is not possible, individuals should wear a mask. All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible to encourage a speedy return to normal, end the damage to the economy, prevent more illnesses and deaths, and eliminate and eradicate COVID-19.

The large gathering guidance has been issued as a recommendation, rather than an order, to allow residents to safely conduct business and other activities moving forward. Waukesha County reevaluates its large gathering recommendation at regular intervals. 

The recommended number of people that should socially gather may either increase or decrease based upon the status of area hospitals and other data. In the case of a dramatic increase in cases of COVID-19, or the inability of area hospitals to care for patients in need of treatment, the county may be forced to issue orders to help reduce the spread of the disease. More information about Waukesha County’s response to COVID-19 is available at www.waukeshacounty.gov/covid19.

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