Old story on Wisconsin stay-at-home ruling posted as new
Wisconsin health officials say hospitals are still straining as the state continues to set daily records for the number of COVID-19 cases. (Nov. 12)
AP Domestic
The claim: Wisconsin Supreme Court just struck down stay-at-home order
A series of articles and Facebook posts surfaced Nov. 12 announcing the Wisconsin Supreme Court had tossed Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order.
This likely came as a surprise to Wisconsinites, who weren’t actually under a stay-at-home order. And hadn’t been since May.
It’s quite literally old news — the result of a mistake by one news organization and a lack of research by other posters.
Here’s what happened.
Originated with a Washington Times posting error
The Washington Times posted a story with a Nov. 12, 2020, dateline with the following lead:
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers‘ coronavirus stay-at-home order Wednesday, ruling that his administration overstepped its