Elections still on – local elections must continue. Expect more closures and cancellations . . . and community services to be cut.
Everything is moving quickly, please continue to check for updates to the basic needs guide and the Konkel Round Up news aggregation.
Gov. Evers Directs DHS to Limit Gatherings to Less Than 10 to Slow Spread of COVID-19 |
Measures also being taken to manage testing capacity in Wisconsin |
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue an agency order prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 people or more to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order makes exceptions for transportation, educational institutions, child care, hotels, military, law enforcement, food pantries, hospitals, long-term care facilities, restaurants and bars can only offer take-out or delivery, grocery stores and convenience stores, utility facilities, job centers, and courts. See full order and list of exemptions here. Additionally, schools will be closed for the duration of the public health emergency.
“Our top priority at this time is to keep Wisconsinites safe and healthy by reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially for those who are considered high-risk. With limited tests available nationwide and continued community spread, we have to take every precaution to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors,” said Gov. Evers. “I know what this means for our small business owners and the struggles they and their workers will face in the coming weeks, but we are committed to working with our federal partners, state officials, and stakeholders to ensure we are doing everything we can to assist during these uncertain times.” Community Spread DHS and Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene to move to tiered COVID-19 testing to manage capacity Tier One (Individuals who):
Tier Two (Individuals who):
Test requests that do not meet these criteria will be sent to other labs in the state and country for testing, resulting in longer wait times. Information for healthcare providers on the testing tiers is available at dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/ People should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website. |