Home covid UW-Madison closes off lakefront as hundreds gather

UW-Madison closes off lakefront as hundreds gather

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The University of Wisconsin has erected temporary fencing to close off the Memorial Union Terrace and adjacent lakefront areas, including the piers, as hundreds of people have gathered in recent days in defiance of a county-wide order prohibiting large groups.

The fencing is meant to help enforce a new order for campus that coincides with the County’s order for people to stay at least six feet apart and not congregate in groups of more than 10. The order applies to Memorial Union Terrace, Alumni Park, the Arboretum, the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Bascom Hill, Gordon Commons lawn and recreation fields, according to a UW press release.

“There is nothing like summer on the Terrace and this year more than ever, we are committed to ensuring our community can enjoy this special place,” Mark Guthier, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and director of the Wisconsin Union, said in a statement. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to put in place measures to welcome members and guests back safely.”

Wisconsin Union remains closed, as does the rest of campus. A reopening date has not been announced.

According to the press release, the university will promote voluntary compliance with the order through education and communication; however, violators are subject to citation and fine.

“Like everyone else, we’re looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy and enjoying our beautiful campus,” UW-Madison Police Chief Kristen Roman said in a statement. “We appreciate everyone’s assistance in abiding by these new university orders as we start preparing for parts of campus to reopen.”