MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) — Associations that represent thousands of Wisconsinites have banded together to create a public service announcement about preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Starting Monday, you may see a new public service announcement on the air. Statewide business and advocacy organizations have created a coalition to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The PSA’s message is simple: Keep your physical distance, wash your hands well and often, and wear a mask.
“We know that COVID-19 is here. We know that we’ve seen increases in cases in our state,” said UW Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aimee Becker. “And we know that there are preventive measures that we can do to help stop that spread.”
The coalition includes the Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Medical Society, Wisconsin Builders Association, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Grocers Association, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Safety Council, Wisconsin Realtors Association, and Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
Together, those groups represent thousands of doctors, nurses, builders, grocers, realtors and restaurants across the state. “A broad, diverse group of business associations,” said Brad Boycks, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Builders Association.
Boycks said he hopes that because this message is coming from a big intersectional group of industries, people will take its advice. “It’s a number of groups representing a lot of employees and a lot of members who interact with the public,” Boycks said.
While cities and counties make their own decisions about mask mandates and community restrictions, leaders hope the PSA shows some of Wisconsin’s most vital industries are on the same page: They all want you to keep your physical distance, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
“It sends an important message that we’re all in this together,” said Becker. “This isn’t just about healthcare, this is about our communities, our businesses. And we have preventive measures that can help us move back more towards normal, and having that unified front I think is very helpful.”