Door County's estimated population of 27,668 has nine COVID-19 cases scattered throughout the county and one death.
In an April 14 tweet, an Illinois pediatrician accused Door County Sheriff Tammy Sternard of stalking and harassing individuals with Illinois license plates.
“Door County, WI has nine whole cases of COVID-19 with zero community spread. Are you still stalking and harassing people with Illinois plates @DoorCountyPulse @DoorCountyTODAY @mydoorcounty @DCAdvocateNews @doorcosherif?”
Door County officials issued Safer at Home Guidelines and said travel to and from the county is highly discouraged at this time.
“If you choose to return to Door County, Door County Public Health requests that you self-quarantine for a full 14 days,” the county's COVID-19 web page says.
Gov. Tony Evers issued a "safer at home order that prohibits all nonessential travel," but noted that those whose residences are or become unsafe (such as domestic violence) are permitted to leave their homes for a safe alternative location.
The April 6 issue of the Chicago Tribune reported that "out-of-towners poured into the area to wait out the coronavirus lockdown in their vacation homes," even though officials urged them otherwise.
Door County locals are bothered by the influx of seasonal residents. David Lienau, chairman of the Door County Board of Supervisors and Sister Bay village president, said locals have seen many license plates from Illinois and other states, leading to calls to the sheriff’s office asking for the bridges to be raised in Sturgeon Bay. Confrontations both online and in person have happened, and notes left on cars.
GMToday.com (Greater Milwaukee News and Events) reported that "at least 420 second-home owners and their families have moved to the county to open cabins and summer homes months earlier than normal, according to postal counts."
Until the coronavirus threat subsides, Door County requests those who are not permanent residents delay visiting the area.
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