4-21-20 fdl county district attorney forming covid-19 task force

The Fond du Lac County District Attorney has announced the  creation of a Task Force in response to the governor’s decision to extend the Safer at Home order for another month.  Eric Toney says his hope is the Task Force will develop a plan to allow businesses to reopen in Fond du Lac County.  Toney says from the first day of the Safer at Home order in Wisconsin he has had discussions with local law enforcement about the constitutionality of the order.  Toney acknowledges that preventing the spread of a pandemic is a compelling  government interest, but says the government also has to look at the least restrictive alternative.  Toney says while the pandemic could last for months, the safety needs of Milwaukee County or other parts of the state will not always align with the safety needs of Fond du Lac County.  He says there must be a common sense, responsible plan  that will allow businesses and religious centers to reopen while balancing public health obligations, economic needs, and constitutional protections.  In forming the Task Force, Toney says he has met with city and county leaders,  the county public health officer, local law enforcement, and area lawmakers.