Local health officials plead with public to be safe after crowds gather at bars

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Viral outrage transpired over big crowds at bars in the stadium district during the Green Bay Packers game this past weekend.

Action 2 News received several messages and pictures about the large crowds that gathered nearby the stadium to enjoy Saturday’s Packers game.

Individuals took to social media to share their frustrations with this.

Several photos and videos surfaced on social media outlets from the bars that looked like a full capacity crowd.

Individuals in the images are shown unmasked and not socially distancing. However, since there aren’t any laws or ordinances in place, this would not be considered a violation.

Local health leaders are asking people to stick with the COVID-19 precautions.

“We saw people out in large numbers and unsafe this past weekend,” said Anna Destree, Brown County Public Health Officer and Administrator. “We recognize that COVID fatigue has set in, but we’re asking people to stick with our safety guidelines a little bit longer. The more we continue to follow public health recommendations, the faster our economy can recover, and our daily lives can return to pre-COVID activities.”

“The science is clear,” added Michelle Myers, Oneida Nation Public Health Officer. “In addition to the vaccine, mask wearing, hand washing and sanitizing, as well as social distancing, reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives here in Brown County. We each have a personal responsibility to slow the spread and protect one another.”

Green Bay Police Commander, Kevin Warych, commented on the crowds nearby the stadium that caused a stir.

“We have been made aware of those posts; it is concerning. And we are going to work collaboratively with the Brown County Health Department to develop a response,” said Commander Warych. “We understand that there’s COVID fatigue in our community, and that’s the last thing we want. You know COVID’s not a law enforcement thing, but it’s a public health emergency. And we want people to know, we still got to take this seriously, we still have to do everything we possibly can to stop the spread.”

Action 2 News reached out to one of the bars in the stadium district but have not heard back yet.

Copyright 2021 WBAY. All rights reserved.