Judge Extends Temporary Restraining Order in Lawsuit to Stop Release of Business Names Allegedly Connected to COVID-19 Cases

UPDATE:

The Evers Administration planned to release the names of businesses who have had at least two or more employees either test positive or have contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Approximately 1,000 business names were set to be released.

To prevent this release, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) filed a lawsuit with the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce and the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau last week. In just a few hours after filing they were granted a temporary restraining order preventing the Evers Administration from releasing this list for only five days.

This morning, the Judge presiding over the case extended the temporary restraining order into Novemberto allow the parties to fully brief the case.

This is a major win in our fight to stop the Evers Administration from releasing potentially inaccurate reputationally damaging information. This information, because of its potential inaccuracy and lack of timeliness, will not protect the public’s health and will only put a target on businesses’ backs for plaintiffs’ attorneys to file frivolous lawsuits.

Venture Dairy Alliance applauds WMC for standing up for and protecting our members from frivolous lawsuits.