Visit Beloit Statement on Covid-19
As of 3/26/2020
Visit Beloit’s first and foremost concern is the health and safety of all residents in and visitors to the greater Beloit region. Our organization supports the local, state, and federal decisions to take proactive measures in safeguarding the public.
We continue to maintain open lines of communication with our tourism-related businesses and partners to understand the economic hardships that they are experiencing.
Visit Beloit’s office and the Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center are closed to the public. All Visit Beloit staff are available by phone and email but are working remotely. Click here for staff contact information.
SAFER AT HOME ORDER
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued Emergency Notice #12 “Safer at Home Order” on Tuesday, March 24. The order can be found here. For businesses that are not specifically referenced in the Emergency Order as “essential”, but “self-identify as essential”, there is no formal action or approval required. While WEDC encourages self-identifying businesses to register, this is an option and not a requirement.
HOTELS
All hotels remain open for business, but with proactive health measures in place. Lodging facilities have closed swimming pools, hot tubs, and exercise facilities. Additionally, they are prohibiting guests from congregating in lobbies or other common areas. Please contact your property ahead of time with any questions or concerns.
RESTAURANTS
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers ordered a statewide closure of all bars and restaurants, except for delivery and take-out orders as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. Continue to monitor this page and our social media channels for updates.
EVENTS
Before planning or attending an event found on Visit Beloit’s Facebook Page, Event Blog, or Calendar, contact the event organizer ahead of time to confirm if everything is still on as planned.
ATTRACTIONS AND OTHER BUSINESSES
We recommend calling or messaging ahead to any attraction or business you plan on visiting or spending your dollars with. Some businesses have limited hours, temporary closures, or may be implementing a reduction in operations. Check out this page for updates we have received from local businesses.
The Governor’s Safer at Home Order affected the closure of places of public amusement and activity, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to amusement parks, carnivals, water parks, licensed public or private swimming pools, splash pads, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, country clubs, social clubs, and gyms and fitness centers.
It also has affected the closure of salons and spas. This includes, but is not limited to, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, day spas, electrolysis providers, waxing salons, eyebrow-care establishments, tattoo parlors, body art establishments, and tanning facilities.
Visit Beloit wants our businesses, visitors, and residents to be diligent about the decisions you make which will help slow the spread of this virus. Information and preparedness are vital to all. Utilize the resources below to keep up to date on information as it is announced.
Stay healthy and smart.
Celestino Ruffini
CEO, Visit Beloit
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
HEALTH & SAFETY
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Rock County Alliance (a comprehensive list of all resources)
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Madison Region Economic Partnership
U.S. Small Business Association
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Facebook Small Business Grants
Stateline Community Foundation
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Destinations International COVID-19 Travel Industry Resources
