The City of Beloit institutes its own local order for how it will handle COVID-19 once Rock County’s safer-at-home order expires on May 26.

The city council approved a resolution Monday night, laying out guidelines for how Beloit businesses should reopen and how the public should try and remain safe during the pandemic.

City Manager Lori Curtis-Luther said the order does not supersede Rock County’s current order, and Beloit will continue to enforce whatever order is the most restrictive in its jurisdiction.

“There is a high likelihood that the county will have less restrictive measures in the very near future,” Curtis-Luther said. “It will become quite evident that the city’s order with requirements will be more restrictive once that occurs.”

Beloit’s resolution allows for all businesses to serve customers in-person if they implement public health and safety practices, including physical distancing, cleaning standards and screening for COVID-19 symptoms.

The order will still outlaw self-service for unpackaged food and beverages, and the city may enact its own restrictions on city property as it sees fit.

The resolution says it is enforceable by “any local law enforcement official” through the use of citations.

It also includes a number of encouraged behaviors and recommendations, including staying at home, wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings.

Beloit is not requiring residents to wear masks in public under this order because not everyone has access to personal protective equipment, and some disabilities and health conditions make it difficult for people to wear masks.

The order will be in effect until June 2, but Curtis-Luther said she will be bringing it back before the city council at their next meeting in two weeks for an update.