As Wisconsinites respond to the ongoing pandemic, communities and their leaders care both about saving lives and protecting our economy. This is a difficult balancing act. Our communities are all facing deep uncertainties about how to deal with a serious brand-new disease impacting the world.

The pandemic is still evolving and flexibility matters. Every day we are learning more about this virus. More recently, Dane County has seen a sustained, high number of cases. Dane County is now acting to further curb this increase in cases and protect the health and safety of our people.

At the time of this writing, a new order is in effect that further limits gatherings and prohibits indoor dining and service at bars. Bars may not provide indoor seating. All indoor gatherings are permitted with 10 individuals or fewer, and all outdoor gatherings are permitted with 25 individuals or fewer. Bars are often spaces that require loud talking to communicate (which can spread droplets farther) and alcohol can impair judgment. Curbing restaurants’ indoor dining capacity to 25% of approved capacity levels is meant to slow the increase in cases and protect the health and safety of our community.

As we continue to learn more about which kinds of interactions are the most dangerous and which are safer, communities will be able to find a better balance between health and the economy. Growing knowledge will help us focus any needed restrictions on those activities that are dangerous. All of us are truly “in this together” during the pandemic.

I am pleased to report that $800,000 in airport revenue continues an ongoing investigation to identify the location and sources of PFAS contamination on airport property. The focus is on the stormwater system and historic fire training areas that discharge into Starkweather Creek. This investigation is key to designing the best possible remediation plan.

I can be reached at 249-9667 or rusk@countyofdane.com.