WISCONSIN (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- The information about the Coronavirus is coming in at warp speed. We want to keep everyone as informed as possible and we will be updating this "blog" with information as it comes in to Spectrum News 1.

MORE RESOURCES: CORONAVIRUS FAQS, SYMPTOMS CHECKER, UPDATES & MORE

3:00 pm 3,200 POSITIVE CASES, 137 DEATHS 

 

---Friday, April 10---

1:00 pm BUCKS HAVE ESTABLISHED EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND FOR FISERV FORUM PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

The Bucks Emergency Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and with support of the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation, will also provide financial relief for part-time employees of Levy, Fiserv Forum’s food and beverage provider; ABM, the arena’s housekeeping employer; Reef Parking and SP+, the Deer District’s parking partners; and Menominee Nation Arena, home of the Bucks’ G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, during this unprecedented time.

So far, the Bucks have provided $500,000 in financial assistance to the part-time employees, with an additional $500,000 forthcoming through the Emergency Relief Fund. As announced last month, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton each contributed $100,000, which was followed by all Bucks players committing to donate to the relief effort. Bucks ownership is matching all player donations.

“Our part-time arena staff is there for us day in and day out, and we want to be there for them during this tumultuous time,” said Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry. “We are thankful for the generous financial support by every Bucks player, team management and team ownership for these deserving employees, and we will look to continue to raise additional funds for this relief effort.”

11:00 am GERMAN FEST AT SUMMERFEST GROUNDS CANCELED

  • 3-day event was scheduled for July 24-26 on Henry W. Maier festival grounds in Milwaukee

10:00 am DOCTORS AT MAYO CLINIC WARNING THAT SOME CORONAVIRUS TESTS ARE GIVING FALSE NEGATIVE RESULTS

They say it's not clear yet how many people test negative actually have the virus.

But because of how easily it spreads, even a small number can have a big impact.

So the doctors say for individuals, a negative test is not a reason to ease up on social distancing and frequent cleaning.

And they want public health officials to continue looking for improved tests, including blood tests to see who has had the virus.

---Thursday, April 9---

2:45 pm STATE UP TO 114 COVID-19 DEATHS

 

 

1:45 pm 43-YEAR-OLD LEO WENT HOME AFTER HOSPITALIZED SINCE MARCH 20 FROM COVID-19

 

 

12:00 pm GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION OF ALTERNTAIVE CARE FACILITY AT WI STATE FAIR PARK

Gov. Tony Evers today announced that the Army Corp of Engineers has officially been engaged by his administration and has already begun mobilizing at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park to begin the development of an alternative care facility (ACF). The Army Corp of Engineers has partnered with states throughout the country to build ACFs to support existing, local medical infrastructures in response to the spread of COVID-19.

“We are extremely appreciative of FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers for their responsiveness as we continue to see an increase in the number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “This alternative care facility will be a critical addition to the southeastern region of our state and will be essential to continuing to ensure our healthcare systems are not overwhelmed.”

To construct the facility, the Army Corp of Engineers signed a contract with Gilbane, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A number of local subcontractors have also signed-on to assist in constructing the ACF at Wisconsin State Fair Park, including:

  • HGA (Design)
  • Johnson Controls
  • Staff Electric
  • F. Ahern
  • Hetzel Sanfillipo

Additional details regarding facility operations, acuity level, and patient capacity will be shared as they become available.

9:00 am GOV. EVERS TO CLOSE 40 STATE PARKS 

 

 

 

---Wednesday, April 8---

3:30 pm 2,800 POSITIVE CASES, 104 DEATHS 

 

 

3:00 pm BUCKS LAUNCH BUCKSPLAY, NEW CONTENT HUB TO CONNECT TEAM & FANS

The Milwaukee Bucks are launching BucksPlay, a new content hub designed to keep the team and fans connected amid the COVID-19 crisis, today at 3 p.m. CT.

BucksPlay will feature behind-the-scenes footage, player lifestyle features and access to the Bucks in-arena experience to provide fans with entertaining content while they are at home practicing social distancing.

Visit Bucks.com/Play and follow the team on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.                 

1:30 pm MADISON LAUNCHES NEW CORONAVIRUS WEBSITE, NEWSLETTER, ALERTS

The City of Madison’s main homepage is redesigned to focus on information about city services impacted by COVID-19. Office openings and closings, direct links to health and community resources, and the latest news and information from City agencies are placed front and center to help users connect with the information they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Text and email alerts are now available for residents who want to stay informed on timely developments related to the coronavirus response. The updates are offered in both English and Spanish to get people fast and accurate information as the pandemic unfolds across our area. Subscribers will receive updates about public health guidance, City resources, and changes to City services. Sign up for text and email alerts.

This week, the City debuts a weekly e-newsletter. Subscribers will receive the latest information from the City, a compilation of the week’s news and resources, and links to press conferences straight to their inbox. People who subscribe to email alerts will also receive our weekly e-newsletter Sign up for email alerts and subscribe to our newsletter.

The City’s coronavirus website, newsletter, email alerts, and text alerts are also available in Spanish.

10:15 am BERNIE SANDERS SUSPENDS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

 

 

 

---Tuesday, April 7---

4:00 pm CITY OF RACINE USES DRIVE-THRU VOTING FOR ELECTION

  • The city of Racine turned to a drive-thru voting option to help voters stay socially distanced
  • 14 polling locations, all drive-thru

 

 

2:30 pm 2,642 POSITIVE CASES, 94 TOTAL COVID-19 DEATHS

 

 

2:00 pm IHME PREDICTS WISCONSIN'S COVID-19 PEAK WILL START IN 10 DAYS

12:00 pm CLARIFICATION ON ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUESTS FROM THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE:

"By State law, the Election Commission is not allowed to reissue a ballot after the Friday deadline to apply for that ballot. Voters that never received an absentee ballot in the mail cannot ask that the Election Commission email them the ballot today. If you did not receive your absentee ballot, the only voting option that remains is to go to a voting center today." 

10:30 am UPDATE FROM REPORTER ASAL REZAEI AT MILWAUKEE POLLS

 

 

9:15 am MADISON POLLS NOT NEARLY AS BUSY 

 

 

 

8:00 am POLLING PLACE LOCATIONS, ABSENTEE BALLOT DROPOFFS IN MILWAUKEE

Polling Places:

  • Riverside High School
  • Marshall High School
  • South Division High School
  • Washington High School
  • Hamilton High School

Absentee Ballot Dropoff

  • Zablocki Branch
  • Bay View Branch
  • Washington Park Branch
  • Mill Road Branch
  • Zeidler Building

7:00 am POLLING PLACES OPEN IN WISCONSIN FOR HISTORIC ELECTION DAY

 

 

---Monday, April 6---

6:22 pm US SUPREME COURT BLOCKS EXTENDED ABSENTEE VOTING PERIOD

 

 

5:05 pm NATIONAL GUARD READY TO PROVIDE 2,400 POLL WORKERS FOR ELECTION TOMORROW

 

 

5:00 pm WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT RULES GOV. EVERS CANNOT POSTPONE ELECTION

 

 

2:45 pm 2,488 POSITIVE CASES, 82 DEATHS IN WISCONSIN

 

 

 

1:00 pm GOV. EVERS ISSUES ORDER SUSPENDING IN-PERSON VOTING FOR TOMORROW'S ELECTION

 

 

 

10:35 am THIRD INMATE TESTS POSITIVE IN DANE CO.
 

 

 

 

9:20 am NOW 45 TOTAL COVID-19 DEATHS IN MILWAUKEE

 

 

 

 

8:00 am STOCKS OPEN 4% HIGHER ON WALL STREET

 

---Sunday, April 5---

2:45 pm 2,286 POSITIVE CASES, 73 DEATHS, 39 IN MKE CO. ALONE

 

 

 

---Saturday, April 4---

2:45 pm 2,165 POSITIVE CASES, 61 DEATHS 

 

 

 

---Friday, April 3---

4:30 pm WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE UPDATES

  • "The CDC is now advising the use of non-medical cloth face covering as an addition voluntary public health measure. So it's voluntary, you don't have to do it," said President Trump
  • The new recommendation comes as experts grow more concerned about the virus being transmitted by people who are not showing symptoms
  • Experts say masks can cut down on that if combined with social distancing and frequent handwashing.
  • Non-medical coverings are recommended because medical-standard masks are still in limited supply and officials want them saved for health care workers.

2:30 pm 1,984 POSITIVE CASES, 39 DEATHS

 

 

 

1:00 pm GOV. EVERS CALLS FOR SPECIAL SESSION ON SPRING ELECTION

Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #73 calling the Legislature to meet in Special Session on Sat., April 4, 2020 at 4 p.m. to take up changes to the upcoming spring election. Gov. Evers is urging the Legislature to take up legislation allowing an all-mail election, to send a ballot to every registered voter who has not already requested one by May 19, and to extend the time for those ballots to be received to May 26. 

“Your efforts to maintain social distancing, the sacrifices you have made when it has come to your jobs, your schooling, and your day-to-day activities are what we need to flatten the curve to protect the people of our state. It’s also what we need to do to support our healthcare workers who are making heroic efforts to test, treat, and prevent this virus. At the same time, we also have to be patient with ourselves and each other because we’re all doing this for the very first time,” Gov. Evers said in a video to Wisconsinites.

“As we’ve faced these challenges over the past few weeks, I have also asked the people of our state to do their part to help. Well here’s the bottom line folks: if, as elected officials, we’re going to expect the people of our state to make sacrifices to keep all of us safe, then, by golly, we better be willing do our part, too. So, today I announced that I am calling the Legislature into a special session to do its part—just as all of us are—to help keep our neighbors, our families, and our communities safe.”

11:30 am JUDGE RULES WI CLERKS CAN'T RELEASE RESULTS BEFORE APRIL 13

  • April 13 is now the deadline for absentee ballots
  • This means we will not know who won the Wisconsin Supreme Court race or presidential primary until April 13, at the earliest

 

 

7:45 am NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE UP 4.4%

  • Up from 3.5% in February
  • Dept. of Labor calculated US lsot 701,000 jobs last month
  • Brings an end to 113 straight months of hiring
  • Nearly 10 million people filed for unemployment in the second half of March

---Thursday, April 2---

4:50 pm EMERGENCY WI ELECTIONS COMMISSION MEETING TONIGHT

 

 

3:50 pm FEDERAL JUDGE WON'T DELAY WISCONSIN'S SPRING ELECTION

  • Previously, voters had to get their ballots back to local clerks by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Now, voters will have until 4 p.m. on April 13.
  • Voters will also have an extra day to request ballots by mail. The deadline has been extended from today to 5 p.m. this Friday.

 

2:45 pm 1,779 POSITIVE CASES, 20,300+ NEGATIVE CASES, 33 DEATHS

 

 

11:02 am BREAKING NEWS: DNC PUSHED BACK TO AUGUST 17, 2020 IN MILWAUKEE

10:01 am OSHKOSH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT PROVIDING FREE WEEKEND MEALS

The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) is pleased to announce an expansion of its Free Grab-and-Go Meal Program. Effective Friday, April 3, 2020, the OASD will provide free meals for the weekend. Weekend meals will be distributed on Fridays, providing those in need with three days worth of food. There will be no weekend meal distribution sites. Instead, students, families, and community members must visit an OASD meal distribution site (school or neighborhood) on Friday to receive food for the weekend. For a listing of OASD meal distribution sites and additional information on the OASD’s Free Grab-and-Go Meal Program visit https://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/families/at-home-learning/free-meals.

MENU: Weekends April 4-12 - OASD Free Grab-and-Go Meal Program

---Wednesday, April 1---

2:30 pm 1,603 POSITIVE CASES, 18,800 NEGATIVE CASES, 29 DEATHS

1:15 pm NOW 16 COVID-19 DEATHS IN MILWAUKEE CO.

 

 

10:58 am GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL GUARD WILL HELP AT SOME POLLING LOCATIONS

 

10:00 am WIMBLEDON CANCELED FOR FIRST TIME SINCE WWII

 

 

---Tuesday, March 31---

7:40 pm MORE PPE IS EN ROUTE TO WISCONSIN 

 

 

4:45 pm FESTA ITALIANA IN MILWAUKEE CANCELED 

 

4:00 pm POSITIVE COVID-19 CASE AT MILWAUKEE MITCHELL AIRPORT 

On March 31, 2020, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport received notice that an Interflight Parking employee has tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus. The individual’s work location is the Ground Transportation booth located on the Baggage claim roadway. The person was last at MKE on March 26, 2020 and worked 3rd shift. 

Steps have been taken to restrict access to those areas where the individual worked and to sanitize those areas. While this individual’s work location is a single standalone site, MKE has increased routine cleaning services, including performing additional sanitizing measures at night, and is continuing daily high-touch cleaning efforts to help protect the health and safety of every person that visits or works at MKE.

3:30 pm GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES "VOLUNTARY ISOLATION FACILITIES" IN MADISON

 

2:45 pm 1,387 POSITIVE CASES, 17,300+ NEGATIVE, 22 DEATHS

 

2:30 pm FIRST ROCK CO. COVID-19 DEATH

The Rock County Public Health Department today confirmed the first death of a Rock County resident due to COVID-19. The individual was 53 years old, had no known contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, had no known international travel, but had traveled to Milwaukee in the 10 days prior to having symptoms of COVID-19. Out of respect for the privacy of the individual and their family, we will not be disclosing any additional information.

1:30 pm POLISH FEST IN MILWAUKEE DISCUSSING ALTERNATIVES

"Due to the recent health concerns we all share and the inability to perform key preparation for events in time of Stay at Home directive; we have been informed by Milwaukee World Festival/Summerfest that the grounds will not be available to open and host our festival for our dates of June 12-14.

We have been discussing alternatives already in concern for health safety to our volunteers, performers, participants, and patrons prior to this directive and will continue to do so for possible alternative dates."

11:00 am WISCONSIN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ANNOUNCES $1.5 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING

  • A new funding opportunity from the Wisconsin Partnership Program at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health will help researchers and community organizations respond to the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Th Wisconsin Partnership Program has released the COVID-19 Response Request for Proposals (RfP) to support innovative, promising strategies that aim to lessen the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin.
  •  “The Wisconsin Partnership Program, which was created to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin, is eager to support the efforts of UW-Madison researchers and community organizations as they respond to this devastating public health crisis.”
  • The COVID-19 Response Grant Program provides a strategic, flexible, rapid-response mechanism to support projects that aim to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin by lessening the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through scientific, medical or public health approaches and through community-led efforts, with a special emphasis on highly vulnerable populations.
  • This new program seeks proposals that would take immediate action to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wisconsin Partnership Program will provide up to $1.5 million in total awards, directing $750,000 to support community-led projects and $750,000 to support projects led by UW-Madison researchers. Award amounts will range between $25,000 and $150,000, for a duration of up to 12 months. The exact number of awards will be determined based upon the merit of the proposals received and the funding amount requested by successful applicants.
  • Applications are due April 15, 2020, and awarded projects are expected to begin May 1, 2020. A future funding cycle for the COVID-19 Response Request for Proposals will be considered as the pandemic evolves. More info here.

---Monday, March 30---

4:00 pm MKE CO. PRESS CONFERENCE UPDATE

  • Mayor Barrett: The election is a week from tomorrow and he's requesting as many people to mail in absentee ballots as possible. He does not want people putting each other at risk. According to his research, no other state is conducting an election in month of April. 
  • Waukesha reducing all voting sites to one location
  • 524 cases in city of Milwaukee — 657 in Milwaukee County as of 2pm Monday

3:03 pm WASHINGTON COUNTY REPORTS FIRST DEATH RELATED TO COVID-19

A man in his 50s from Washington County has died from complications related to COVID-19. This is the first reported death related to COVID-19 in Washington County. The man, a Waukesha County employee, had underlying health conditions. 

2:45 pm 1,231 POSITIVE CASES, 16,550+ NEGATIVE CASES, 19 DEATHS

 

2:21 pm PACKERS, BUCKS DONATE $37,500 TO HUNGER RELIEF EFFORTS

Following the Packers’ recent playoff run, during which the Packers and Milwaukee Bucks both sold a special, limited edition t-shirt featuring the logos of both teams and the time-honored Packers cheer, “Go Pack Go,” the teams raised $37,500 through the shirt sales to donate to hunger relief efforts.

Half of the funds will go to Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay, and half will go to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

The shirts, which sold for $19.95, were available for purchase during the Packers’ playoff run at the Bucks Pro Shop at Fiserv Forum, at the Packers Pro Shop at Lambeau Field and online at packersproshop.com.

12:44 pm CITY OF JANESVILLE ASKS LOCAL FOR PPE DONATIONS

  • The City of Janesville is encouraging the public, businesses and organizations to donate new, unused personal protective equipment to assist first responders and other front-line staff responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

MORE COVERAGE: Where to donate PPE to support medical workers in Wisconsin

  • Equipment Needs Include (but are not limited to): N95 masks, surgical masks, isolation gowns, digital thermometers
  • To donate personal protective equipment, please contact the City's Emergency Operations Center at 608-373-6022.

11:59 am SEN. BALDWIN LEADS WI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO CALL ON FEMA FOR SUPPORT

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today led every member of the Wisconsin congressional delegation in calling on FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to immediately support Governor Tony Evers’ requests for additional testing supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and health care workers in Wisconsin.

On March 28, after still not receiving many of the supplies previously requested from the federal government, Governor Evers asked FEMA for expedited processing of his request for testing supplies and PPE for Wisconsin health care workers and first responders. Last week, Governor Evers also requested additional testing supplies from FEMA to help Wisconsin ramp up testing for COVID-19 at state and private labs.

Online version of this letter here.

11:04 am GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO INCREASE COVID-19 LAB TESTING CAPACITY

Gov. Tony Evers today announced a new public-private partnership among Wisconsin industry leaders to increase Wisconsin's laboratory testing capacity for COVID-19. Prior to today's announcement, the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene and the Milwaukee Public Health Lab were leading the Wisconsin Clinical Lab Network labs to bring additional COVID-19 testing online.

The new partnership now includes laboratory support from Exact Sciences, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Promega, and UW Health. These organizations, along with the Wisconsin Clinical Lab Network, will now share knowledge, resources, and technology to bolster Wisconsin’s testing capacity.

“The Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene and the Milwaukee Public Health Lab should be commended for the tremendous lift they have done over the past few weeks to rapidly bring these tests online. And I want to especially extend my gratitude to the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene for going above and beyond to expand testing capacity within the Wisconsin Clinical Lab Network, and ensure Wisconsin does not have a backlog of COVID-19 tests,” said Gov. Evers.

The Wisconsin Clinical Lab Network labs have been averaging completion of 1,500-2,000 COVID-19 tests per day. The expanded capacity from the state’s new public-private partnership is expected to double that capacity initially and continue to expand as additional platforms and supplies become available.

9:00 am FOND DU LAC CO. HEALTH DEPT UPDATE

  • Death of a man Sunday from COVD-19, he was not actually a resident of the county
  • County reports 3 more positive cases for a total of 22.
  • 4 cases are active, 16 have recovered, 2 have died.

7:30 AM 2020 OLYMPICS RESCHEDULED FOR JULY 2021

---Sunday, March 29---

5:00 pm TRUMP ADDS 30 DAYS TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES

4:00 pm EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS IN MILWAUKEE

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says Milwaukee County is working with the Milwaukee Archdiocese to provide housing to the homeless and those with unstable housing at risk for COVID-19.

Barrett says the county has been working with the archdiocese to house up to 90 people inside the former Clare Hall Convent in St. Francis.

Health departments would refer people to stay in the emergency housing temporarily.

Mayor Barrett says people would be isolated within the facility to minimize any risk of exposure to each other

“We are just ironing out the final details with the archdiocese right now that would allow us to have two wings. One for people who are susceptible and one for people who are symptomatic. This would allow us to provide them with safety and provide the social isolation that is necessary for our community,” says Mayor Tom Barrett. 

Hotels and charity organizations from around the Milwaukee area are donating things like linen and paper goods to help support the emergency housing operation

2:45 pm CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE IN HO-CHUNK NATION

 

 

1:45 pm 1,112 POSITIVE CASES, 16,550 NEGATIVE, 18 DEATHS

---Saturday, March 28---

1:45 pm 989 POSITIVE CASES, 15,232 NEGATIVE CASES, 14 DEATHS 

10:00 am MILWAUKEE STARTS DRIVE-UP EARLY VOTING TODAY

The City of Milwaukee Election Commission will be launching a “drive-up” early voting option for voters starting Saturday, March 28 outside of the Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway.  This model of early voting will provide important access to voting for city residents, but eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for election workers and the voting public.  Drive-up early voting will be available on both Saturdays and Sundays preceding the election from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Early voting will end on Sunday, April 5.

Parking spaces will be reserved for drive-up voters along E. Kilbourn Avenue between Market Street and N. Broadway, and along Broadway between Kilbourn Avenue and E. Wells Street.   Election staff will be dispatched to work with persons in their vehicles to review their photo ID, and then issue, secure and witness their absentee ballot.

Early voting was temporarily suspended in Milwaukee so that an assessment could be made of Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on best practices to reduce COVID-19 exposure risk during voting.  The CDC and local health department guidelines advise against gatherings of more than 10 people in a space, which conflicted with the previous operations of the city’s three early voting locations.

---Friday, March 27---

8:35 pm NOW 14 COVID-19 DEATHS IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN

4:40 pm COVID-19 CASE CONFIRMED IN OCONTO COUNTY RESIDENT

Wisconsin health officials have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Oconto County.  Health officials are investigating how the person may have become infected, and will be contacting individuals who may have had close contact with the patient.  To protect patient privacy and ensure compliance with Federal HIPAA laws, additional details about the patient cannot be released. 

3:39 pm PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SIGNS CARES ACT, BIGGEST ECONOMIC RELIEF PACKAGE IN AMERICAN HISTORY 

1:45 pm 842 POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES, 13,140 NEGATIVE, 13 DEATHS

1:09 pm GOV EVERS SUSPENDS EVICTIONS & FORECLOSURES DURING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Gov. Tony Evers today directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to temporarily order the suspension of evictions and foreclosures amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. The order can be found here.

The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason unless failure to proceed with the eviction will result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person and mortgagees from commencing civil action to foreclose on real estate for 60 days. Wisconsinites who are able to continue to meet their financial obligations are urged to do so. This order does not in any way relieve a person's obligation to pay their rent or mortgages. 

“During this time individuals, families, and small businesses may see disruptions in paychecks due to losing hours, tips, business, or employment. This is another step we can take to prioritize the health and safety of Wisconsinites during this public health emergency,” said Gov. Evers. “Evictions and foreclosures pose a direct and serious threat to the health and well-being of Wisconsinites, ensuring they are able to keep a roof over their heads and those in social services can prioritize assisting those who currently do not have shelter is critically important.”

11:37 am LATINX CONSORTIUM FOR ACTION (LCA) ANNOUNCES CREATION OF NEW COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND

Latinx are the largest non-white racial/ethnic group in Dane County, WI (35,000) and make up close to 70% of the community in Madison and Fitchburg. This community is uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 crisis - 70% of Latinx are renters and almost two out of every five work in the service industry in Dane County. Moreover, nearly 50% of Latinx are uninsured in Wisconsin.

The fund will prioritize funding emergency relief for our most vulnerable populations: undocumented Latinx workers and small immigrant-owned businesses.

To date they have raised $235,000 dollars. 

10:38 am PREVIA HEALTH OFFERING FREE ONLINE SCREENING AND EVALUATIONS FOR COVID-19

Prevea Health is offering free online screening and evaluation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) through Prevea Virtual Care at: www.prevea.com/virtualcare

Prevea Virtual Care visits for COVID-19 assess the patient’s symptoms and provide information about COVID-19. If additional care is needed, patients will be provided specific directions about where to go for lab testing and follow-up care to ensure they receive the care they need while maintaining a safe distance from others. If a patient needs additional lab tests or follow-up care, it will be billed to the patient’s insurance provider.

MAYOR TOM BARRETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HMONG COMMUNITY

“The World Health Organization has urged people to be careful with language used to describe COVID-19, insisting that it not be referred to as the ‘Chinese’ or ‘Wuhan’ virus. In this time of heightening tensions, there are serious concerns in the Asian American community about scapegoating and becoming the targets of misplaced fear and anger. I oppose any expressions of racism and xenophobia at all levels. No one should live in fear because of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. This virus knows no borders. It’s wisest to use official names for this pandemic, especially if there is potential to do harm.”

--Thursday, March 16--

NOW 12 CORONAVIRUS DEATHS IN WISCONSIN, IRON CO. REPORTS FIRST

 

 

5:00 pm MCTS TRANSIT SYSTEM TO STOP COLLECTING FARES

  • Beginning 4 am on Saturday, March 28
  • Want to minimize the contact between drivers and passengers
  • Asking people enter the bus from the rear doors
  • The buses should only be used for essential travel

“Busses may be free but you are safer at home. MCTS is here for essential transit trips only. Unless you are going to a pharmacy or grocery store or other businesses that the safer at home allows to be open you should not be traveling by bus," said Dan Boehm, Milwaukee County Transit System 

3:45 pm GOV EVERS LAUNCHES COVID-19 WISCONSIN PPE PROGRAM

Gov. Tony Evers today launched an initiative designed to get more personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, gloves and masks, to those working on the frontlines of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is absolutely imperative that our healthcare workers and first responders have the equipment they need to stay safe and healthy as they care for our communities. As we face a global shortage of PPE, and are competing with other states to acquire limited resources, I am calling on companies, schools, and other organizations that may have unused protective equipment sitting in their facilities to make those materials available to those who need it most,” Gov. Evers said. “The state appreciates any donations, but we are also prepared to pay a fair market value for large quantities of this equipment that are offered.”

Wisconsinites can now go to https://covid19supplies.wi.gov/Donations to either donate or sell large quantities of PPE to the State of Wisconsin. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) will then work with distribute the PPE to communities that need it the most.  

3:08 pm 10TH COVID-19 DEATH IN WISCONSIN, 7TH IN MILWAUKEE CO.

 

 

 

1:45 pm DHS RELEASES NEW POSITIVE, NEGATIVE CASES

 

12:10 pm INDY 500 DATE MOVED TO AUGUST

 

 

 

11:25 am VITERBO MAKES DONATION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO MAYO CLINIC IN LA CROSSE

  • 300 Medline Fluid Resistant Procedure Face Masks with ear loops level 1
  • 20 N95 face masks by 3M
  • 60 Isolation Gowns by Select, latex free
  • 170 Ultra Spec Clear Frame Lab Glasses (impact and chemical splash proof)
  • 7,000 of VWR brand critical swabs with cotton head (the long ones and in sterile packages)
  • 13,000 Nitrile Gloves in various sizes

10:40 am WCTC DONATING NEARLY $100,000 OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES

  • Waukesha County Technical College is donating nearly $100,000 worth of medical supplies to help medical workers and first responders combatting the Coronavirus outbreak. They are donating them to the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Fire Chiefs Association.

5:46 am 8th COVID-19 DEATH IN WISCONSIN

 

--Wednesday, March 25--

6:00 pm HOW TO GET YOUR CHECK FROM THE CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS PACKAGE

5:11 pm THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING WILL CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC

  • Begins at 8 a.m. tomorrow
  • The Department of Administration said the building will reopen to the public if the Legislature or Wisconsin Supreme Court convenes
  • The state Senate canceled a floor period that had been planned for Tuesday, while the Supreme Court canceled oral arguments that had been planned for this month

2:22 pm MEIJER REQUEST FROM CUSTOMERS

  • Meijer Temporarily Asks Customers to Refrain from Bringing Reusable Bags Into Stores, unless they are using the Meijer Shop & Scan service.

1:56 PM ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION FOR APRIL 7 AVAILABLE AGAIN UNTIL MARCH 30

Wisconsin residents who need to register to vote for the April 7 Spring Election can now use MyVote.WI.gov to register online until March 30, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot, so reopening online registration was ordered by a federal court in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We strongly urge anyone who wishes to vote in the April 7 election to take action now online,”

said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.  “Anyone who isn’t currently registered and wants to vote absentee for April 7 must act immediately.”

The absolute deadline for most voters to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, April 2, but Wolfe said voters should not wait until then due to the high volume of requests and potential mail delivery issues. The USPS is recommending giving yourself at least a week to return your ballot by mail.

1:45 pm 585 POSITIVE CASES, 10,089 NEGATIVE CASES, 7 DEATHS TOTAL

1:01 pm CITY OF JANESVILLE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY

City Manager Mark Freitag declared a State of Emergency for the City of Janesville in response to the continuing spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and the country. It does the following:

  • Allows the City to be eligible for state and federal assistance
  • Gives the City the ability to react more quickly to changing conditions
  • Provides the City Manager the authority to make purchases and sign contracts that would normally require City Council prior approval
  • Allows for the modification of other internal policies during the emergency that will help to expedite the response
  • Reinforces the City Manager's authority to direct employees and make urgent and time sensitive management and staff decisions

10:47 am DANE CO. CONFIRMS FIRST COVID-19 DEATH

Public Health Madison & Dane County is confirming the first Dane County death associated with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The individual was in their late 70s.

“We are saddened by the loss of one of our community members, and we extend our sympathies to their loved ones,” says Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “COVID-19 can cause serious health complications and death, especially among older adults and people with chronic health conditions, that’s why it’s important that we all work together to prevent the spread of illness.”

To date, over 70 people in Dane County have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

“We strongly encourage community members to stay home unless activities are essential. In doing so, you’re not only helping protect yourself, but also our family, friends, neighbors, and fellow community members,” says Heinrich.

12:57 am WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS REACH DEAL ON RELIEF PACKAGE

Full story: White House, Congress agree on $2 trillion virus rescue bill

--Tuesday, March 24--

5:15 pm LA CROSSE CO. HEALTH DEPT. ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY SPREAD

5:10 pm WHITE HOUSE CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE UPDATE

  • Due to spike in infections, people who have recently left New York City should self-quarantine for 14 days
  • National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow says lawmakers are getting “closer and closer” to passing the COVID-19 relief bill
  • Pres. Trump says he's "in touch" with Dr. Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, about his desire to have country "opened up" by Easter and if it is realistic.

4:43 pm DPD TO CLOSE JOB CENTERS ACROSS STATE

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced that Job Centers across the state will be closed to the public starting Wednesday, March 25, 2020 to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and to follow the Governor's Emergency Order #12, "Safer at Home." Services to the public will remain available online and assistance will also be delivered over the phone.

"Our dedicated job center staff have been putting themselves and their families at risk each day while working directly with the public providing assistance at the job centers statewide," DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman said. "We are focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19 while still providing our customers with the support and assistance they need to access unemployment and job search services remotely."

Customers filing for Unemployment Insurance (UI) should visit here for information, videos, and to apply for unemployment benefits.  Applying for unemployment benefits is a two-step process:

  1. Apply online the week you become unemployed and
  2. File a weekly claim for each week you would like to receive benefits.

Job Search assistance can also be found online. Register on JobCenterofWisconsin.com (JCW) to create a resume, search for jobs, view online workshops, and research labor market information. Job seekers can email questions to JobCenterofWisconsin@dwd.wi.gov. Staff will be offering over-the-phone appointments to assist people who are searching for jobs, registering on JCW, or utilizing online tools. Please call the number listed below for your county to make an appointment for over-the-phone support for job search assistance.

3:10 pm MILWAUKEE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Full story: Milwaukee County First Responders are seeing a shortage in personal protective gear

  • The Milwaukee County Unified Emergency Operations Center today issued a request for new, unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist first responders, health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19. Needed supplies include: N95 masks, dust or surgical masks, safety glasses, protective gowns or suits, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes or sprays and disposable medical gloves.
  • PPE donations can be made in the parking lot at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center, 640 S 84th Street. Drop-offs will be accepted at Gate 5 located off of 84th Street. The donation site will be open 7 days a week between 7:00AM and 7:00PM.

1:45 pm 457 POSITIVE CASES, 8237 NEGATIVE CASES, 5 DEATHS

1:30 pm CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE UPDATE VIA FOX TOWN HALL

  • He stressed once more that he believes American could be open and back in business by Easter, 20 days from now, something health experts dispute.

1:25 pm CITY OF SHEBOYGAN MOVES POLLING PLACE

City Clerk Meredith DeBruin announced today a change in a polling place for the City of Sheboygan for the April 7, 2020 election due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Voters in Wards 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 will vote at City Hall for the April 7, 2020 election. Read the full news release HERE. 

12:00 pm FOND DU LAC CO TO PEOPLE: STOP CALLING 911 ABOUT SAFER AT HOME ORDER

Since Governor Evers announced his intentions to issue the “safer at home” order, the dispatch center has received a significant number of calls from people wanting information and getting frustrated at the dispatchers when they cannot provide the information they are asking for.

The dispatchers need to be available to take calls for people who need police, fire and ems assistance. Even if you call the non-emergency number, you are taking a dispatcher out of service, not allowing them to provide the emergency assistance they need to. While we understand there is confusion and questions on the order, we want you to know we are not the answer.

Please go to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website for COVID-19 information as well as any updates from the Governor. 

10:50 am FEES WAIVED FOR WISCONSIN STATE PARKS & TRAILS

 

 

10:32 am GOV. EVERS ORDERS "SAFER AT HOME ORDER"

  • The order is effective at 8 am on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and will remain in effect until 8 am Friday, April 24, 2020

Full story: Gov. Evers Directs DHS to Issue "Safer at Home" Order

9:04 am NO COPAYS FOR PRIMARY CARE TELEHEALTH VIRTUAL VISITS AT FROEDTERT

As the COVID-19 situation changes daily, we are monitoring and doing everything we can to provide health information and health care for everyone who many need our help.

Understanding the challenges in obtaining care during this situation, we are waiving copay fees for all telehealth virtual visits with your primary care provider. Virtual visits can be accomplished through MyChart messages, telephone and live video. Plus, you can schedule a video visit directly with your primary care doctor through MyChart.

Visit our website to learn more and get a link to the MyChart app, or call your Froedtert & MCW primary care provider to work out the best option for you.

If you don't have a primary care provider, call: 1-800-DOCTORS.

8:24 am MAYOR TOM BARRETT REQUESTS SPRING ELECTON TO BE CONDUCTED BY MAILED BALLOT

--Monday, March 23--

6:05 pm SUMMERFEST MOVES FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER

FULL STORY:  Summerfest Postponed 'til September

 

 

 

5:00 pm CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE PRESS CONFERENCE BRIEFING

  • At today’s briefing, Donald Trump said the federal government has obtained large quantities of Hydroxychloroquine which will be distributed in New York for clinical trials beginning early tomorrow.
  • He says there will be 10,000 units which will be distributed to “a lot of people in New York City”.
  • He called Hydroxychloroquine “a gift from God” and a “game changer” and said there is very little semblance of the virus in countries where malaria is prevalent, and this drug is used. He said vaccines are “coming along quickly”.
  • Trump said it is very important to protect the Asian community, whom he called “good people”, and said the virus is not their fault.  This, despite his insistence on calling it the “Chinese Virus”.
  • He said FEMA is distributing eight million N95 masks and 13 million surgical masks, with many going to New York and Washington State.
  • Trump said American will soon be “open for business”, saying it will be much sooner than the three or four months he’s heard some people mention.
  • He reiterated his statement that he’s “not gonna let the cure be worse than the problem”. He says a decision will be made at the end of the 15 day period.
  • He urged Congress to work on a relief bill in a bipartisan way, saying this is “not a time for political agendas”.
  • The federal government is postponing the deadline for compliance with Real I.D. requirements.
  • Trump said he signed Executive Order 4512 which prohibits the hoarding of equipment and supplies like hand sanitizer and masks and provides for the prosecution of price gougers.

4:00 pm MILWAUKEE CO. PRESS CONFERENCE

  • Officials urge people to donate new and unused N95 respirators, masks and other PPE gear to help protect health care providers and first responders
  • Taverns, bars, liquor stores are considered food service providers, and "will able to remain open as long as they can maintain social distancing and provide product via curbside takeout or delivery."

3:15 pm MADISON & DANE CO. OFFICIALS PRESS CONFERENCE

  • Over half of the people who have tested positive in Dane Co. were under 40
  • Alliant Energy Center is now being used as a food pantry
  • County & city officials have worked to secure hotel rooms for homeless people
  • Parks are open and County Exec. Parisi encourages people to continue to take walks, jogs, bike rides
  • Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says the city is working to keep transit open, help with childcare, provide food & shelter for homeless residents. 
  • The majority of city services are working with people online

3:00 pm WISCONSIN NEEDS POLLS WORKERS!

The State of Wisconsin is calling on residents willing to serve as poll workers in their counties for the April 7 election to replace older poll workers who are unable to serve due to health concerns and the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Wisconsin has approximately 30,000 poll workers, known as election inspectors, who serve at polling places. A significant number of them are in their 60s and 70s, and many may have other health conditions.

“We know there are Wisconsinites looking for ways to serve their communities through this difficult time,” said Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief elections official.  “If you are a state, county or municipal employee, a teacher, a student or someone who is looking for temporary work, municipal clerks need your help.”

In Wisconsin, election inspectors are appointed at the municipal level.  Anyone who is interested in working should contact their municipal clerk’s office, which you can find on the MyVote Wisconsin website: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyMunicipalClerk. Enter you address in the search fields and the system will tell you who your municipal clerk is and provide a phone number and email address.  Put “Poll Worker Applicant” in the subject line so that your clerk will be able to easily sort the requests.

1:45 pm 416 POSITIVE CASES, 7050 NEGATIVE CASES, 5 DEATHS PER WI DHS

1:30 pm GOV. EVERS PRESS CONFERENCE

  • "Safer at Home" Order begins tomorrow
  • You can still walk dog, go outside, but limit travel and trips to grocery stores
  • “Folks all hands on deck means you too. I know this has been difficult and its disrupted the lives of people across our state but here is the bottom line, folks need to start taking this serious”

11:06 am CITY OF MADISON PROVIDES LIST OF FOOD RESOURCES & PROGRAMS

  • You can find the full list of places here

11 am FOND DU LAC PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 

  • 2 additional cases from over the weekend
  • 1 was due to international travel
  • 17 total in Fond du Lac Co. 
  • They are not seeing community spread yet

10:30 am UW-MADISON WILL POSTPOSE SPRING COMMENCEMENT 

10:23 am MILWAUKEE CO. ANNOUNCES THIRD DEATH, FIFTH IN STATE

Also, according to the press conference, most of the positive COVID-19 cases are on Milwaukee's north side. 

9:34 am GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES #SAFERATHOME ORDER TOMORROW

UPDATES FROM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 22