Wisconsin businesses prepare for partial reopen Wednesday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Starting Wednesday, Wisconsinites will be legally allowed to enjoy the outdoors by renting kayaks, boats, ATVs and golf carts.

“I think the biggest thing is, not only is it helpful for us and the company, but I think people are just -- they’ve been cooped up for six weeks, and they want to get out,” Brew City Kayak Owner Derek Collins said.

Non-essential businesses across the state are preparing, just like Brew City Kayak, to partially reopen, after Gov. Tony Evers announced loosening restrictions Monday. It’s not 100 percent back to normal. All sales must be done online or over the phone, and social distancing is required.

“We’re going to have them sit in their car, and fill out their waver online from their phone. And then once they’re actually ready, we’ll bring them out down here, and their kayak will be set up.”

Businesses like automatic car washes as well as those that service parts or animals, will also be allowed to operate curbside.

But many, like Bay View Community Bark groomers, will take a few days to get up to speed.

“With the order came a lot of parameters we will have to follow, so we’ve got to get things ready, so that we can make a safe environment for our clients,” owner Mary Kilpatrick said.

Kilpatrick said the business is receiving 100 calls a day, but first she has to reschedule those who were forced to cancel, and the limitations will prevent them from serving as many people as they are used to.

“On behalf of all groomers, thank you everyone," Kilpatrick said. "We’re thrilled to be able to serve you again, but please be patient because we’re all going to be taking a while to get back up to speed, and get calls returned.”

The new guidelines go into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday. They will last as long as the general safer at home order.