KEY POINTS

  • Locals in Wisconsin packed the bars after the court junked the stay-at-home order
  • Photos and videos show the patrons ignoring social distancing and safety measures
  • Gov. Tony Evers warned that more people will be sick because of this 

After the state Supreme Court junked the stay-at-home order of Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday, people wasted no time in converging and packing bars, and forgetting about social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A video from Nick's Bar in Platteville immediately went viral after it showed the establishment filled with people dancing.

According to USA Today, the bar scene was similar across the state as there are no guidelines or special mandates prepared for reopening bars.

At 7:00 p.m. (8 p.m. ET) Wednesday, locals started filling up Green Bay's State Street Pub. The patrons and the staff were not wearing face masks nor observing social distancing. A few miles away, Lenny's Tap also opened to 20 patrons. The staff, however, had face coverings as they served the guests.

The Shop Bar & Grille also opened on the same night, but its owner, Tyler Reilly, said they will be implementing some safety measures.

"We're going to be doing a few things to make sure that everyone is still safe," Reilly said. "Our team and our customers are our number one priority and their safety, but we also need to start paying our bills or we won't be able to open back up."

bar-packed
The bar scene in Wisconsin is teeming with people after the stay-at-home order was rescinded by the court. Pexels

Wisconsin's stay-at-home order was extended by Evers until May 26, per the advice of Andrea Palm of the state's health office. This was challenged by Republican legislators and the case went to court.

In a 4-3 ruling, the Wisconsin Supreme Court said stay-at-home order was "unlawful, invalid, and unenforceable." Evers warned that, as a result of this decision, many residents will likely get sick and the hospitals will be overwhelmed.

"We’re the Wild West,” the governor told MSNBC after the overturning of his orders. “There are no restrictions at all across the state of Wisconsin. So, there is nothing that’s compelling people to do anything other than [have] chaos here

As of May 14, Wisconsin has 11,275 cases with 434 deaths, per its Department of Health Services.

RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus