HUDSON, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued what he's calling a "safer at home" order Monday.
It urges people to stay home and order non-essential businesses to up by Tuesday morning.
Within minutes of the announcement, a once quiet downtown Hudson was suddenly bustling with activity.
At Spirit Seller, one of the local liquor stores in town, customers were showing up in droves to stock up, even though according to state officials, the governor's order does not include liquor stores.
At Angel's Pet Shop a few doors down customers were also stopping by to pick up pet food.
“They're scared that they're not going to be able to feed their pet,” owner Angel Duratti says.
She's been telling customers all day that as a pet food supplier, she says her business is essential and it will stay open.
"We are limiting the amount of people coming into the store. We're also offering curbside and free delivery," Duratti says.
“Some of our customers, their pets are on special diets and we’re the only place that has the food they need.”
Other business owners who can’t stay open are rushing to move their business online the best they can.
Managers at the local guitar shop say they're offering virtual lessons.
Gallery owner Ruth Misenko is trying to list some of her artwork online as well.
"That way we can continue to share artwork, because beauty is a very important thing at this point in time," Misenko says.
She has owned the Seasons on St. Croix Gallery for nearly 20 years and isn't only worried about herself, but she also worries about all of the artists she supports through her gallery.
“Any given year we’ll feature between 106 and 170 artists in the gallery,” Misenko says.
“We are a conduit for their income. Yes, we can last, but for how long, I don’t know.”
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The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information on the coronavirus:
- Facts not fear: What the Midwest should know about coronavirus
- Current number of presumptive coronavirus cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements and impacts in the Twin Cities
- Here are the common symptoms of coronavirus
- What are the 'underlying conditions' that make coronavirus more serious?