Judges Kill Racine COVID-19 Restrictions Twice In One Week

RACINE, WI — City leaders in Racine say they've been dealt a knockout blow in the fight to mandate health protections amid the COVID-19 pandemic after a Racine County Circuit Court judge issued a temporary injunction on the city's Safer Racine ordinance.

On Wednesday, Racine County Cirucit Court Judge Jon Fredrickson issued an injunction on the ordinance, citing a civil suit against the City and the city's health department filed by the owners Harbor Park Crossfit. In the suit filed May 21, the business owners argued that the Safer Racine ordinance is unconstitutional and would cause the business to lose customers and ultimately close.

City officials saw things differently.

“This ruling is extremely troubling," Racine Mayor Cory Mason said. "Local governments have a clear and longstanding ability and authority to enact ordinances to protect the health and well-being of our residents. That has never been more needed than now, in the midst of this pandemic."

Alderwoman Natalia Taft said that she was disappointed by the ruling.

"Decisions regarding public health should be made using a scientific approach with the most up-to-date and accurate data," Taft said. "The ordinance we passed empowered the Public Health Department to do just that, with well-defined metrics and timelines, as well as appropriate oversight by elected officials."

It's the second time a local judge has overruled city efforts to impose health restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. City officials first tried adopting COVID-19 public health restrictions on May 13, only to have a local judge halt Racine's order on Friday.

City officials turned around and re-issued the same restrictions in the form of a city ordinance.

Those restrictions were again halted on Wednesday.