Oconto County boat landings to open, campgrounds ordered shut

Oconto County boat landings are expected to reopen with restrictions as of 5 a.m. Friday, April 24, and the Machickanee Shooting Range will also reopen.

But Oconto County Health Officer Debra Konitzer issued an order closing all county and private campgrounds, except seasonal sites, from 8 a.m. Friday until May 26 or as otherwise ordered.

“The COVID-19 public health emergency has required sacrifices from all of us and continues to be a challenging situation to adjust to,” Konitzer said. “We share people’s concerns about COVID-19, and we also understand that outdoor activities like fishing are encouraged. It is important to enjoy fishing opportunities in waters close to home and to limit travel.”

As of Thursday, five people had tested positive for COVID-19 in Oconto County, and 214 negative tests were recorded, according to the state Department of Health Services.

Although the boat landings will open, all public facilities that encourage social gathering of any number of people will be closed. The order states that boat landing users are expected to maintain social distancing guidelines of keeping 6 feet between themselves and others. Users are also expected to not gather with people who live outside of their households.

“Those using the boat landings are expected to take all precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19 and other diseases,” Konitzer said. “We need people to follow the social distancing guidelines listed in the order. Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer and wearing a cloth face mask are also important steps in stopping the spread.”

If these requirements are not met, the launches may be closed again, she said, adding that failure to comply could result in a fine or criminal prosecution.

People using the Machickanee Shooting Range are asked to practice social distancing by using every other bench and staying 6 feet away from others at the registration/pay kiosk. The bathrooms remain closed at this time, and users should plan accordingly.

In ordering campgrounds closed, Konitzer said the role of the health officer includes the authority to take all measures necessary to prevent, suppress and control the spread of communicable disease. This includes forbidding public gatherings when deemed necessary to control the outbreaks of disease pandemics.

“We understand the many disruptions and sacrifices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we appreciate our residents’ willingness to continue to adapt to these changes,” she said. “The measures in this order are meant to prevent gathering and promote social distancing, which we know is our best way to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Seasonal camping sites are those for extended stays (for example, six months) and typically have a contract. Seasonal sites are exempt from this order and may remain open with restrictions for both the campgrounds and seasonal site occupants.

Under the latest order, campgrounds are required to comply with the Safer at Home Order Sections 13.b, 13.d and 13.e, as well as close swimming pools, beaches, hot tubs and exercise facilities. Campgrounds must not allow guests to congregate in common areas such as lobbies, and also must provide enough space for people to practice social distancing in common areas.

Campgrounds must prohibit use of buildings that encourage social gathering such as toilet, laundry and shower facilities. Campgrounds must limit all campsites to members of a single household or living unit and prohibit all other private gatherings of any number of people.

Seasonal site occupants are required to follow the Safer at Home Order. This means to maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times, remain at their place of residence except for the exceptions allowed in the Safer at Home Order and to not host any gatherings of any number of people that are not part of their single household or living unit.