MADISON, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) — Governor Tony Evers announced a public health state of emergency for Wisconsin on Thursday.

He held a press conference in Madison to announce the declaration. Evers said the measure was to help state agencies access resources to combat the Coronavirus outbreak.

“The risk to the majority of Wisconsinites remains low, that said we can all do our part to help prevent the spread of the illness to others,” Evers said.

Evers said he was particularly worried for people who rely on nonprofits or schools for food. He also was worried about homeless individuals in the midst of the outbreak.

“Our team will continue to work with our local partners around the state to ensure that we are able to support those folks who need our help,” Evers said.

The state is asking people not to travel to places in the country where Coronavirus has spread within the community. If you do travel there, health officials as that you self-isolate upon your return. The state is also suggesting that any event with more than 250 people be cancelled and sent guidelines to nursing homes or senior living locations on steps to increase health security.

“We understand that these significant steps are going to disrupt people's lives, but are making these recommendations to protect the lives of the most vulnerable members of our families, our communities and our state,” said Andrea Palm, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee.

Palm also suggested that people keep a two week supply of food at their homes in case they need to self isolate or quarantine after exposure to the Coronavirus. Though she urged people not to hoard.

“This advice is not intended to encourage the hoarding of supplies but to keep you from having to go to a public place in the event that you become ill and need to isolate at home for two weeks,” Palm said.

Palm declined to disclose how many Coronavirus tests have been administered in the state, though she said as of right now they have had enough test kits for the demand. Palm said she expects that will change soon.

“We think very soon we will be beyond the current capacity we have for testing and we are asking and working with the federal government to replenish our supplies so that as a state we have the resources we need to do the testing we need to do,” Palm said.
Evers and other health officials urged people to practice safe hygiene habits. That includes washing hands, disinfecting surfaces and proper social distancing practices. They also urge people not to shake hands.

Evers said they do not know yet how the Coronavirus will impact the Democratic National Convention in July. The DNC is set to take place in Milwaukee. Evers said they are monitoring the situation, but noted it's still four months out.

Health officials says the guidance from the state may change depending on how things progress.