The new guidelines stipulate religious centers must limit attendance to 100 people or 25% of the building's capacity, whichever is lower. They also recommend against singing and group recitation.
The government says the order significantly impairs the ability of residents to maintain their economic livelihoods. And, it claims Gov. J.B. Pritzker is bound by state limits on emergency measures.
Car traffic took a big dip beginning in late March, and headlines celebrated clean air around the U.S. But an NPR analysis of EPA data tells a more troubling story.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said this week's decision by the state's supreme court will put lives at risk from the coronavirus and she warned that businesses are still not ready to reopen.
According to the ruling, the orders were "unlawful, invalid, and unenforceable" and any future statewide restrictions will need to be approved by the Wisconsin legislature.
New York Times health reporter Donald McNeil points to China as one extreme way to stop a pandemic in its tracks. "We're reluctant to follow China, but they did it," he says. At least for now.