MADISON, Wis., Aug. 24 — University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today joined leaders of the Tavern League of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association in asking bar and restaurant owners to enforce mask mandates and encourage physical distancing as students return to universities for on-campus instruction.
Thompson, Tavern League Executive Director Pete Madland, and Restaurant Association President and CEO Kristine Hillmer said in a letter to the groups’ members that they play a crucial role in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Across our country, we have seen the consequences when large numbers of young people congregate in public settings, including bars and restaurants. Those consequences have led to the reversal or suspension of plans to provide in-person instruction,” the letter says. “We know that nobody wants this outcome. The UW System is actively promoting to students the need to engage in healthy behavior. We are asking you to engage your membership on these critical efforts as well.”
The UW System has developed robust testing protocols to diagnose and monitor COVID-19 as one component of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate risk that includes promoting behaviors that reduce spread, maintaining healthy environments, and preparing for when someone gets sick.
Banner note: The letter is included below.
Letter to tavern, restaurant operators
August 24, 2020
To: Tavern League of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Restaurant Association members
From: University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson
Tavern League of Wisconsin Executive Director Pete Madland
Wisconsin Restaurant Association President and CEO Kristine Hillmer
The University of Wisconsin System is welcoming back to campus nearly 170,000 students for in-person instruction starting Sept. 2. Educating students on campus is the best choice for their emotional well-being and educational progress, and it provides an economic and cultural benefit to Wisconsin communities.
As a result, the UW System has developed robust testing protocols to diagnose and monitor COVID-19 as one component of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate risk that includes promoting behaviors that reduce spread, maintaining healthy environments, and preparing for when someone gets sick.
We know what these students mean to our university communities and businesses. We are asking for your help to encourage responsible behavior of our students. Across our country, we have seen the consequences when large numbers of young people congregate in public settings, including bars and restaurants. Those consequences have led to the reversal or suspension of plans to provide in-person instruction.
We know that nobody wants this outcome. The UW System is actively promoting to students the need to engage in healthy behavior. We are asking you to engage your membership on these critical efforts as well, such as:
- Encouraging your patrons to maintain physical distance, including by setting capacity limits.
- Enforcing a mask mandate inside your establishments and outdoors where applicable.
- Posting signs that encourage patrons to wear a mask, watch their distance, and wash their hands.
- Following other guidance from your local public health departments and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The University of Wisconsin System has taken numerous steps to mitigate risk upon the return to campus of students. The System and members of the Tavern League and Restaurant Association have a mutual interest in thriving university communities and want to partner on these efforts.
Please let us know if we can provide further information or assistance. Thank you for all that you do for the state of Wisconsin.
