7 Active Coronavirus Cases Now Confirmed In Wisconsin

MADISON, WI — Just hours after Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency over coronavirus concerns across the state, two more patients in Wisconsin have tested positive for the virus, known as COVID-19.

On Thursday afternoon, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services officials confirmed the two additional cases, which brings the total number of confirmed cases to eight. Seven are active cases, and one person has recovered.

“This brings the total of confirmed cases to seven in just one week. As we see more cases, we remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of infection to others in the community," said State Health Officer Jeanne Ayers in a statement Thursday afternoon. “These cases should serve to remind all of us about the importance of social distancing and maintaining good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.”

Here are the cases as of March 12 afternoon:

2: Fond du Lac County
4: Dane County (1 person has recovered)
1: Waukesha County
1: Pierce County

State of Emergency Declared

According to a new release issued via the Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center in Madison, the emergency declaration authorizes the state Department of Health Services to "use all the resources necessary to respond and contain the outbreak."

"Today, I have declared a public health emergency to address the outbreak of COVID-19 in the State of Wisconsin. This declaration allows us to access state resources to deal with this pandemic head-on, care for those who need help and also limit the spread of the virus, Evers said. "I want to assure everyone that those who are affected are receiving the best possible care, and that all steps are being taken to stop the spread of this virus," he said in a press conference held Thursday morning in Madison.

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"The risk to a majority of Wisconsin remains low," Evers said, citing the work of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local health officials.

If COVID-19 begins to spread in Wisconsin communities, state and local public health officials will consider community interventions such as:

• social distancing
• replacing in-person meetings with telework when possible
• reviewing workplace sick leave policies
• modifying, postponing or canceling mass gatherings
• implementing restrictions on visitors to residential treatment and living facilities
• closures of schools, childcare settings

Evers said food security and the upcoming April 7 election are two areas that he is also concerned about.

"We have tens of thousands of folks in Wisconsin including kids and older adults who rely on nonprofits in order to get their meals. Ensuring that those folks are taken care of is a top priority."

Evers said he was also concerned about the health and safety of homeless people and other vulnerable members of society.

"The good news is that absentee voting in Wisconsin is really easy," Evers said. "I am encouraging everyone who can vote early to ensure that your vote is counted."

Ongoing Coverage

• Coronavirus Cases Reported In Waukesha, Fond du Lac Counties
• UW-Madison Suspends In-Person Classes Over Coronavirus Concerns
• Third Coronavirus Case Reported In Wisconsin
• UW-Milwaukee Extends Spring Break Over Coronavirus Concerns
• Wisconsin Should Plan Now For Pandemic ... Just In Case
• 4 Self-Quarantined In Milwaukee Over Coronavirus Fear
• First Coronavirus Case Confirmed In Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Family Was Stuck Overseas Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• Wisconsin University Students Screened For Coronavirus